Tony Greig, ex-England captain, dies aged 66 after heart attack
Former England captain Tony Greig has died aged 66 after suffering a heart attack in Sydney.
The South Africa-born 66-year-old was diagnosed with lung cancer two months ago. The all-rounder played 58 Tests for England from 1972-77, including 14 as skipper, before giving up the captaincy to join Australian media magnate Kerry Packer's breakaway World Series.
He later became a popular television commentator in Australia.
Tony Greig's career
- Major teams: England, Border, Eastern Province, Sussex
- Tests: 58
- ODIs: 22
- Test runs: 3,599 (average 40.43
- Test wickets: 141 (average 32.20)
- Scored 16,600 runs (average 31.19) and took 856 wickets (average 28.85) in 350 first-class matches
Australian broadcaster Channel Nine, for whom Greig worked, said he died at about 13:45 local time on Saturday, after being rushed from his home to Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital earlier in the day.
He is quoted as having told Channel Nine colleagues last month: "It's not good. The truth is I've got lung cancer. Now it's a case of what they can do."He had surgery later in November, and in October he tweeted: "Thanks to all of you who have sent me good wishes for a recovery. With your prayers and the help of my family I will give it my best shot."
On Christmas Day he posted the message: "Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you all. Would love to be at Test but son Tom and I will be tuned in?"
Greig scored 3,599 runs at an average of 40.43 and took 141 wickets at 32.20 in Tests, and was named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in 1975. He also played 22 one-day internationals.
