The cricket world is currently mourning the loss of Tony Greig who passed away in Sydney last week. The South African-born former captain of England will be remembered for his tireless dedication to the game.
As a player, Greig proved to be a versatile bowler, an explosive batsman and most importantly, a ferocious competitor. He played during a golden era when what was said on the field stayed on the field. He called it how he saw it, but he would still share a cold beer with the opposition after the game. Back then, men never got highlights in their hair and they certainly weren’t evocative of the metrosexual types we have to suffer these days. It was a different game – a game of big personalities and bigger rivalries, and what a great game it was!
As a commentator, Tony Greig travelled the world and enjoyed nothing more than watching the Aussies get thumped. He acted as a great foil to his good friends Richie Benaud and Ian Chappell, and his argumentative banter with Bill Lawry will always be remembered with fondness and delight.
Tony Greig was possibly the most instrumental person in creating the form of cricket we enjoy today. Kerry Packer may have provided the idea and the cash, but it was Tony who provided the cricketing knowhow which made World Series Cricket the success story it was. Tony was the man who brought the international cricketers to the table and hyped them up for contest. The product was raw and savage, and most importantly, it breathed life back into a game that desperately needed it.
Thank you Tony Greig for all you brought to the world of cricket. Your love and commitment will live on in the hearts of every cricket lover around the world.
