Anthony Robert Lewis, commonly known as Tony Lewis, is a former English cricket player. Born on July 6, 1938, in Swansea, Wales, Lewis was not only a talented cricketer but also had a keen interest in rugby. He represented both sports at various levels and left a lasting impact on the field as well as in the media.
Lewis made his mark in cricket when he captained England on Test debut in 1972-73, becoming the last man to do so. Despite a disappointing duck in the first innings, he showcased his resilience and skill by scoring an unbeaten 70 in the second innings on Christmas Day, leading England to victory against India in Delhi. This remarkable performance established Lewis as a valuable asset to the national team.
Throughout his international career, Lewis played a total of nine Tests. Although his time at the highest level was relatively short-lived, he managed to score his only Test century against India at Kanpur during the same series as his Test debut. Lewis proved himself as a capable and determined cricketer, displaying his ability to perform under pressure in crucial moments.
However, his career was plagued by a knee injury that forced him to withdraw from the England side after just one Test in 1973. Following this setback, Lewis faced uncertainty as Glamorgan, his county team, only offered him a match-by-match contract. Despite the challenges, he continued to contribute to his team, showcasing exemplary leadership skills that led Glamorgan to victory in the Championship of 1969.
Lewis’s sporting abilities extended beyond cricket. As a talented rugby player, he attained the prestigious honor of representing Wales at the international level. Maintaining a double Blue distinction, Lewis played for respected clubs such as Neath, Pontypool, and Gloucester. However, due to his knee injury, he eventually shifted his focus solely to cricket.
Retiring in July 1974, Lewis seamlessly transitioned into the world of media. Building upon his experience as the face of the BBC’s Test coverage in the 1990s, he became a prominent writer and broadcaster. While his broadcasting career was not without its pitfalls, as evidenced by an unfortunate four-letter outburst during a live broadcast in 1991, Lewis’s expertise and knowledge of the game were widely recognized and appreciated.
Lewis’s contributions to cricket were not restricted to the media alone. He was honored as the president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), a highly esteemed position in the cricketing world. Additionally, he served as the chairman of the Welsh Tourist Board, using his influential position to promote cricket tourism and uphold the reputation of Welsh cricket.
Anthony Robert Lewis, or Tony Lewis, will forever be remembered as a talented cricketer and sporting personality. Despite the brevity of his international career, he left an indelible impact on English cricket, both as a player and a captain. Lewis’s subsequent career in media and his involvement in important cricketing organizations continue to showcase his passion and commitment to the sport.
