Tributes to Tony Greig, who died in Sydney at the age of 66
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Dec-2012″Tony was a tough opponent who took on all opposition with aggression and a determination to win. He had a take-no-prisoners attitude which helped him lead England with flair and toughness. He was a genuine allrounder who in turn was an integral part of World Series Cricket’s success. Once his playing days were over Tony offered an insightful commentary. We will not forget the way he stirred the viewers in a similar vein to the way he did to opposition teams. He will be sadly missed.”
“I was only speaking with Tony a couple of days ago so news of his passing is absolutely devastating. Tony has a long and decorated history with international cricket both as a player and commentator and cricket will be much poorer for his loss. Personally, he has also been a great mentor for me, providing great advice through the good times and the bad.”
, the Australian captain, in The Age.”Tony was a very willing opponent on the field, but was equally willing as a friend off the field. He made himself into a successful Test cricketer and Test captain by that willingness to take the game up to his opponent whether with bat or ball. He was also one of the best slip catchers of all time. I got to know Tony well during the World Series period and have worked with Tony many times since as a commentator. His enthusiasm for the game and his combative nature came to the fore in this role as well and while he was always happy to stir the Australian audiences, behind the scenes he loved this country as much as we do. My memories of Tony are of his gregariousness and his generosity of nature.”
.”I don’t know as a player whether he was an icon. I think in some ways he’ll be remembered more for his commentary in Australia. I don’t think that is a bad thing to say about him because he was very special as a commentator. He got the place alive and working, that Channel 9 commentary box. He loved the game and he served the game very well.”
.”It’s a deeply upsetting time for his family and for everyone associated with Tony at Nine, and indeed for many, many others who came to know and love the man. He’s not only been part of our family, but he’s had a seat at the head of the table.”
“He was a combative on-field rival of Australian cricket but became one of Australian cricket’s firmest friends, with his long-running role as a Channel Nine commentator making him an Australian household name.”
.”Tony did so much for the game of cricket & always stood up for what he believed in & had the game of cricket at heart, we will all miss him.”
“As a superb all-rounder, ambitious national captain and authoritative commentator over the best part of half a century, Greig’s standing in the game is matched by very few others. Australia has lost one of the iconic voices of sport.””Vale Tony Greig, a good man, a strong man, a trailblazer, a crash-hat wearer. Pitch reporters have lost their patron ..summer is poorer.”
.”Tony Greig will forever be in our commentary box. RIP Tony. It was a privilege to play against you and to work with you.”
.”Awfully sad news with Tony Greig’s passing. A significant contributor to players’ rights worldwide and never afraid to speak his mind.”
.”There isn’t a single professional cricketer playing today who does not owe him a debt of gratitude for the role he played in the 1970s in vastly improving their working conditions and making professional cricket a viable and attractive career proposition.”
“He was a giant of a man who played a major role in the changing face of cricket during the 1970s. He will be fondly remembered for his informed commentaries, his embracing of innovation to enhance the game including day/night cricket as well as his performances on the field of play.”
.”Tony will long be remembered as someone who gave so much to cricket in this country and in particular to the development of the sport in this State. As someone who resided in Sydney and was an outstanding cricketer with the Waverley Cricket Club, Tony was actively involved in the promotion of cricket at junior level, particularly through his close relationship with the Scots College. He was forthright and passionate about the game and always thinking about how it could move forwards and develop.”
.”Can’t believe one of my heroes Tony Greig has passed away. One of the greatest voices in cricket and will be sorely missed.”
.”His cricketing talents were combined with a fierce competitive nature and, as such, his personality was imprinted on any team he represented. I consider myself very fortunate to have played in the same Sussex team as Tony, and saw first-hand his resolute love of cricket.”
.”RIP Tony Greig. You have left a great footprint on the world of cricket.My condolences to the Greig family.”
“Saddened to hear the passing away of Tony Greig, RIP. Great commentator,mentor, player & friend will be missed by the cricketing family.”
on Twitter.“RIP Tony Greig. So many memories. So much to thank him for, for where themodern game is, along with many of his mates @ the time.”
.”RIP Tony Greig. Mentor and friend. We will miss you, a genuine friend andadmirer of SL cricket. It was indeed a pleasure to have known you!”
.
