Tony Cozier- The voice of cricket

Tony Cozier has been widely hailed as the best commentator in the business

In 1965, Australia made their trip to the Caribbean to take on the then-powerhouses of cricket, the West Indies. This being one of the most storied rivalries in cricket, the Caribbean Publishers and Broadcasters Association put together a commentary team in each of the West Indian cricketing islands.

For Barbados, it happened to be the man who quite easily went onto being recognized for his boundless works. For nearly fifty years since, this man stands strong. His repute is invincible, second to none. One of the greatest faces of modern cricket, Tony Cozier is in action during the tri-series features Sri Lanka, India and the host nation, the West Indies.

The West Indies were insurmountable forces of cricket till the late 80s. Following their decline in the 90s to becoming a mediocre team in the 2000s – the dominance and fall of West Indies cricket has been consistently covered by Tony Cozier. And he is still there to cover the resurgence of cricket in the island nations now.

Is there anything stopping this 72-year-old man? Quite possibly – NO!

Cozier was born to notable cricket journalist, Jimmy Cozier, who worked as the publisher of the St Lucia Voice. He went onto pursue his collegiate studies in Carleton University, Ottawa. But after an unaccustomed stay there, he returned to the Caribbean to begin his coverage on cricket. He went straight to work at the newspaper, Barbados Daily News – the founder of which was his father. A successful stint on Radio 610 news followed where he received his first shot to publicity, covering the Barbados team in Trinidad.

In 1963, the West Indies, captained by Frank Worrell, travelled to England. Tony Cozier understood that the Daily News would not be able to afford his trip across the Atlantic. But it didn’t halt his passion to cover West Indies cricket as he decided to eventually travel and stay in several YWCA shelters. The times were hard but Crozier prevailed for his love of cricket.

He developed connections in England and became close friends with many cricketers. The Windies dressing room had a mainstay apart from the players and Tony Cozier could go in as comfortable as he felt.

Tony Cozier in 1973

His persona behind the microphone was adored for its simplicity and honesty. Accuracy held so much poignancy in Tony Cozier’s words that several newspapers across the world wanted his expertise. In a matter of few years, he displaced his father’s mantle to become Barbados’ best known sports journalist and the most acclaimed cricket writer from the West Indies.

His encyclopedic knowledge of the game found him adulation even among legends including commentator, Alan McGilvray – who Cozier cites as one of his biggest inspirations.

But Cozier never let the popularity mar his image. People could count on him for his incorruptibility in the game. When the West Indies travel to play cricket anywhere, Cozier’s name would be the first to cover them for it became synonymous to each other.

What the Barbadian means to West Indies cricket cannot be simply put into words. He has covered almost every Test match the Windies have played since his debut in 1965 bar missing a few.

As aforementioned, Cozier has seen the ups and downs of West Indian cricket in his coverage. He witnessed the days when sponsors would flock to chalk poster boards, just to live in the shadow of West Indies cricket’s popularity. He also covered games when the Windies stadiums barely pulled crowds in late 90s to mid 2000s.

Few years ago, the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board) struggled to keep afloat but Cozier championed for its resurgence. He equivocated for the game to be played in its original means – Test cricket, and the game reinvigorated its cult following in the Islands. It may not be as widespread as it was when Cozier was just starting off his career but any cricket fan would take this over the team’s suffrage during the turn of the millennium.

Like West Indies cricket, Cozier has had his low moments as well. As much as he is a beacon of virtuous commentary, his columns have attracted negative flair as well. After he criticized the performance of Phil Simmons, the island of Trinidad and Tobago publicly humiliated him with posters such as “Cozier is a dog” and many more. He was hurt but found a way to put it behind him.

Even today, he hasn’t toned down in ethicalness. He expresses what he deems right. The same fans that were slimy enough to slander Cozier now applaud him. Simmons, who is a native of Trinidad and Tobago, himself, knew Cozier spoke the truth. The commentator’s achievements in the game have earned him kudos from even the worst of his detractors.

It has been fifty years since Cozier first sat behind the microphone to talk about the on field proceedings in a Test match. A lot has changed everywhere. But not in the characteristics that always exemplified his work: substance, simplicity and accuracy.

In 2011, he was given the honorary life membership in the MCC – an honour held by 350-odd people. He also authored the book “50 years in West Indies Cricket” that till today, remains one of the extolled documents in cricket. And if I were to list down every one of Cozier’s achievements here, it would be an infinite.

There have been smiles and heartbreaks in West Indies cricket. But even during those scarred heartbreaks, Cozier’s words would bring smiles among a thousand faces. He is revered enough to have a commentary box in Barbados named after him. Veneration has already been attested to his name. But Tony Cozier conducts his business always keeping his head to the ground.

Men have come and gone to play the famed sport of cricket but a colloquial voice has always been there to talk about them. His name is Winston Anthony Cozier or like we affectionately can call him now as “The Voice of Cricket”.