Tony Greig’s sudden death yesterday at the age of 66 is gut-wrenching. I first met the genial giant of 6’6″ at the start of the Rest of the World tour of Australia in the 1971-72 season.
Rain was pelting down at the MCG during the first day of the tour opener against the Victorians, so play was called off early.
I rang Tony’s room at the hotel for an interview for the Sydney Sun and in his easy-going way he said, “Come on down”.
I knocked on his door and a deep voice invited me in. My first sight were two huge bare feet, and that was all I could see of Tony Greig.
Then he unfurled with a grin as huge as his feet, and it seemed forever until he stood erect.
That was the start of a friendship that lasted 41 years.
It was South African-born Tony’s first tour and he made no secret of the fact he was going to use it to the full to book a berth in the Test side for his adopted England, where he qualified through Scottish parentage.
We had a lot in common with our passion for cricket and a good few beers. There were many times over the next few years we were late to bed, but never a moment was wasted.
And I got to know the big bloke so well after writing two books for him. The first about his life, the second about the best cricketers he had played against, giving a run-down on each before he selected a World XI.
Fascinating reading.
Add to that ghosting a regular newspaper column for him, so I was in constant contact with Anthony William Greig and there was never a dull moment.
But the most fascinating were the 14 hours we spent together in Adelaide behind closed doors in early 1978, putting together a peace proposal for Kerry Packer and the Australian Cricket Board to end the war over World Series Cricket.
While both parties saw the merit in what we suggested, both were too pig-headed at the time to act on it. In the wash-up both signed off on peace over 12 months later with exactly what Tony and I had proposed.
That’s what genuine friendship really meant. Tony and I were in opposite camps over WSC, but we could still be close mates. Many friendships were shattered in that period, the most notable Sir Donald Bradman and Richie Benaud.
I will never forget his passion for everything, but more especially his cricket and his friendship.
He was a man for the big occasion.
In his first county game for Sussex he smashed a quickfire 156.
In his first Test for England at Old Trafford against the Australians just after the Rest of the World tour, he top-scored in both digs with 57 and 62, and captured 1-21 and 4-53.
The one wicket was Australian captain Ian Chappell first ball. The four second innings scalps were Keith Stackpole, Doug Walters, and Johnny Gleeson all bowled, and Rod Marsh caught.
Impressive.
I could go on all day about Tony’s achievements over 41 years, including his tilts with Ian Chappell through World Series Cricket and in the Channel Nine commentary box.
Sufficient to say they both had a healthy respect for one another, but were two of the most strong-willed men I’ve ever known.
Thankfully Chappeli is still with us. But I will miss Tony Greig.
Big time.
Thanks for the memories Greigy, many and vivid.
Frank Perera
Guest
Tony Greg, Cricketer par excellence, great comentator, great human being. Sri Lankans all over the world will miss you dearly. You brought pride to our country.You will nere be replaced . Thanks for the memories.
Geoff
Guest
Thank you for your story David. He will be missed by all cricket fans. His knowledge,integrity and keen repartee always made sure the audience were fully informed. RIP mate. You were one of a kind.
hawker
Guest
Great read David - thankyou. RIP big fella
bruski
Roar Pro
RIP Tony!
Jason Cave
Guest
The other top innings from Tony Greig was in India on England 1976-77 tour of India, as a lead-up to the Centenary Test against Australia in Melbourne. After winning the first Test, Greig was concerned that hs England side wasn't focusing properly on the 2nd Test at Eden Gardens, for two reasons: 1) the Christmas/New Year period where the Englishmen decided to 'let their hair down' rather than preparing for a vital Test match; and 2) England might have been complacent because they didn't think India would beat them, but Greig thought otherwise having been in a similar position on a previous tour where England won the first Test but lost the series. So Greig decided to give his team a pre-match blast. The address by Greig worked. England went on to win the game wth Greig making 103-possibly the most important innings he has played while captain of England.
great to hear that, cheers David.
Allanthus
Guest
David Thank you for the tribute and I hope you see him off in fitting fashion. To be brutally honest I never really enjoyed his commentary, and I never quite managed to figure out how the player comfort meter worked. But I do have fond memories of him as a player who copped plenty from over the fence but gave it back with good humour. His role in shaping cricket as we know it today assures him of the very highest status in the game.
Bondy.
Guest
I dont think thats called for here. Low act.
David Lord
Expert
Jason, don't worry about Jimmy, there's always some nark in every group. Jimmy has just shot himself in the foot, and he'll probably aim higher shortly.
AdamS
Roar Guru
I wonder if there is going to be a handsomely framed, numbered, limited edition print to commemorate if you call quickly..
Jason
Guest
Who are you talking about?
Jimmy
Guest
[comment deleted]
formeropenside
Guest
RIP AWG. Sign up Billy Birmingham to fill the big shoes.
sheek
Roar Guru
England never had their best XI during the mid-70s. Great batsman Boycott imposed a self-exile between 1974-77 because he refused to play under Denness. Great fast bowler Snow had an ongoing spat with officialdom. However, while hindsight is a wonderful thing, had England brought their players together under Greig's leadership earlier, it might have made them a much tougher opponent, although Australia was still stronger at the time. A possible England XI in 1975 with Greig as captain. Geoff Boycott, Dennis Amiss, John Edrich(vc), Mike Denness, Keith Fletcher, Tony Greig(c), Alan Knott(k), Chris Old, John Snow, Derek Underwood, Bob Willis, Bob Woolmer(12th man).
sheek
Roar Guru
Hi David, There's a very nice tribute from Ian Chappell over at news.com.au. Chappell is brutally honest (in his usual fashion) about instigating the fallout with Greig during WSC days. But he also acknowledged they had made up long ago. It really is a very nice tribute.
Frederick
Guest
A fitting tribute David. Here in the UK the media comment on the BBC on Greig's death is minimal - continuing a tradition of underestimating his contribution to the game. First, he was a stellar allrounder, with a batting average of 40 and a bowling average of 32. Unlike in today's era, there were few if any easy opponents. West Indies in the Caribbean, anyone? Greig took 13 for 156 in one match and helped Mike Denness's team to a fantastic showing in the early 70s. Second, he captained England to victory against India on the subcontinent in the mid 70s - and we all know the value of winning there. Third, he opened the door to proper payments for all professional cricketers through his role in the Packer affair. Fourth, his early departure from the England scene (following Packer) expedited the development of one IT Botham as England's premier all-rounder. And as a Pommie fan you can't get more significant than that.
Minister for Information for the Democratic People's Republic of Football
Guest
I'm sure the burial patch will get the car key test prior to his interring. Someone's gotta do it ! R.I.P. Tony, the world lost someone special yesterday.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
While he was a good, rather than exceptional player, it will be for other reasons Tony Greig will be remembered as one of the most significant figures in cricketing history. His involvement in WSC primarily, but also for his pioneering adoption of protective headgear will see him as a pivotal person in world cricket. And perhaps a car key could be buried in a pitch somewhere in a fitting tribute!
ken oldman
Guest
Great tribute and lovely comments. Kind of makes,all our varied opinions on 'rotation' and other cricket issues of recent days.somewhat insignificant and so trivial. Great cricketeers they were in the days ot Tony Greig. R.I.P...Tony
Bondy.
Guest
Nice peice Lordy a sad day for Australian sport. Athough younger than yourself and Sheek I always saw the likes of Tony inparticular Tony as pioneering or benchmarking professional sport/s thruoghout the Commonwealth on all fronts and not just cricket.