England's South African XI

Tony Greig

Tony Greig: the voice of cricket for so many years

For many cricket lovers of the present generation, Tony Greig was the voice of cricket for years. His unique way of covering cricket matches was a viewer's delight. However, before turning into an eminent commentator, Greig was one of England's best all-rounders ever.

Born in Queenstown in 1946, Greig qualified to play international cricket for England due to his Scottish parentage. He scored 3599 Test runs and picked 141 wickets in a 59 match career, averaging 40 with the bat and 32 with the ball.

He also successfully led England in the period 1975-1977 before his involvement in the Kerry Packer World Series made him do away with the captaincy. A sportsman wary of his commercial value, Greig encased on his image which was huge among fans.

He breathed his last after being diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2012 in his adopted homeland Australia at the age of 66.