SYDNEY (AP) — Tony Greig, the South Africa-born cricketer who became England captain and later continued to make his mark on the game as a revered commentator in Australia, died today of a heart attack as he battled what appeared to be incurable lung cancer.
The Sydney-based Greig, 66, was initially diagnosed with bronchitis in May, but the condition lingered and in October he had tests that revealed a small lesion at the base of his right lung.
Today, he suffered a heart attack at his Sydney home.
“He was rushed into St. Vincent’s Hospital. The staff of the emergency department worked on Mr. Greig to no avail,” hospital spokesman David Faktort said.
Upon his return to Australia from the World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka, he had fluid removed from the right lung and testing revealed the cancer.
“It’s not good,” Greig said after the surgery. “The truth is I’ve got lung cancer. Now it’s a case of what they can do.”
His wife, Vivian, said: “Our family wants to extend our gratitude for the support and condolences we have received and would ask for privacy at this very sad time.”
