Anthony William Greig, widely known as Tony Greig, was an English cricketer who left an indelible mark on the sport during his playing days in the 1970s. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches, Greig possessed an extraordinary personality and formidable charisma that captivated fans and teammates alike. Although he had some technical and skill deficiencies, his sheer love for the game and determination made up for those shortcomings.
Greig was born on October 6, 1946, in Queenstown, South Africa. Raised by his strict Scottish father, he showed early promise in cricket and, at the age of 18, had his first trial for Sussex in 1965. It was during this time that he set his sights on representing England, following in the footsteps of Basil D’Oliveira. In 1971-1972, he earned his Test cap for England during the Ashes series against Australia. Remarkably, he made half-centuries in both innings of his debut match and also took five wickets, instantly showcasing his talent and potential.
Throughout his career, Greig displayed consistency and versatility, scoring Test match hundreds in various locations around the world, including Bombay, Bridgetown, and Brisbane. He faced formidable opponents such as Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar with confidence and skill. Known for his unique style, Greig held his bat aloft before it became a trend, relying on his long reach and powerful drives. As a bowler, he relied on bounce, aggression, and cunning, even demonstrating his prowess as an off-spinner by taking 13 wickets at Port-of-Spain during a crucial series against the West Indies.
Greig’s leadership skills reached their zenith in India, where his swagger and exuberance resonated with the locals, despite England’s victories. His leadership was also respected in Australia, particularly after England’s remarkable chase in the Centenary Test. However, his association with Kerry Packer’s breakaway World Series Cricket tarnished his reputation. Greig not only became a signatory of Packer’s venture but also secretly recruited players for the revolutionary cricket league. Once the venture was exposed, Greig faced severe consequences, losing his captaincy and missing out on what would have been a record-breaking benefit.
Although his on-field performances in World Series Cricket were less than stellar, Greig’s involvement in the establishment of professional cricket had a lasting impact on future generations of players. After retiring from cricket, he joined Packer’s Channel 9 as a commentator, working alongside renowned Test captains like Richie Benaud, Ian Chappell, and Bill Lawry for over 30 years.
In 2012, Greig’s life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. A few months later, he succumbed to a heart attack, leaving a void in the world of cricket. Despite his controversial involvement with the World Series Cricket, Greig’s contributions as a cricketer and commentator will be remembered fondly by fans and players alike.
