SYDNEY: The cricket world on Sunday paid tribute to former England Test skipper and broadcaster Tony Greig, remembering him as "the godfather of modern cricket" due to his influence in shaping the game.
South African-born Greig died Saturday after a heart attack at his Sydney home at the age of 66, as he battled lung cancer diagnosed just two months ago.
The towering Greig was remembered as being instrumental in the formation of late Australian media tycoon Kerry Packer's breakaway World Series Cricket (WSC) contest staged from 1977-79, which sent shockwaves through the sport.
"It could be argued that Tony Greig was the godfather of modern cricket, the man who believed the game should be entertaining and a little irreverent but always ruthlessly competitive," wrote The Australian's Peter Lalor. "Cricket has lost one of its giants."
Broadcasting doyen Richie Benaud, a former Australian captain who shared the Channel Nine commentary box for decades with Greig, described him as a dynamic cricketer, a fearless thinker and an entertainer.
Kerry Packer's son James said Greig "stood shoulder to shoulder with my father at times when it was not always fashionable".
Former Australian captain Lawry was distraught by the news, describing Greig as "an Englishman with an Australian attitude" whose absence from the commentary box had left a big hole in the game this Australian summer.
Greig's opposing captain in WSC and fellow Channel Nine commentator, former Australia captain Ian Chappell, spoke of Greig's trademark competitiveness.
Current Australian captain Michael Clarke said the news was upsetting for the Test team.
"Personally, he has also been a great mentor for me, providing great advice through the good times and the bad."
Greig played 58 Tests -- 14 of them as captain -- for his adopted country England between 1972 and 1977, scoring 3,599 runs with eight centuries at 40.43 and capturing 141 wickets at 32.20.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian, and four children. (AFP)
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