England captain and famous Cricket Commentator Tony Greig dies
Greig, who worked for the broadcaster, first became aware of his illness during Australias one-day series against Pakistan in Dubai in August and September.
On his return to Australia, he had fluid removed from the right lung and testing revealed he had cancer, the network said.
Beloved Tony Greig has passed away today, aged 66. To his family and friends we pass on our best wishes, Channel Nine tweeted.
Last month, Grieg spoke to the networks cricket commentary team, of which he was a member, during their coverage of the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane.
Its not good. The truth is Ive got lung cancer. Now its a case of what they can do, he said at the time. He had an operation later that month.
South African-born Greig played 58 Tests for England between 1972 and 1977, scoring 3,599 runs with eight centuries at 40.43 and captured 141 wickets at 32.20. He captained England in 14 Tests.
He also played 22 one-day internationals for England.
Greig was instrumental in the formation of late Australian media tycoon Kerry Packers breakaway World Series Cricket contest staged from 1977-79 which sent shockwaves through the sport.
He helped secure the signings of a number of English and other foreign players to the rebel cricket series, launched in response to the Australian Cricket Boards refusal to give Packers Nine Network exclusive Test broadcast rights.
The World Series featured stars such as Dennis Lillee, Imran Khan, Greg and Ian Chappell, Viv Richards and Clive Lloyd and left a lasting legacy on the game, including improved rewards for players.
England captain and famous Cricket Commentator Tony Greig dies | The News Informer