cricscope

"I was only speaking with Tony a couple of days ago so news of his passing is absolutely devastating. Tony has a long and decorated history with international cricket both as a player and commentator and cricket will be much poorer for his loss. Personally, he has also been a great mentor for me, providing great advice through the good times and the bad."

Michael Clarke, the Australian captain, in The Age.

Very sad to hear about the passing away of Tony Greig and my deepest sympathies go out to his family. He had a special place in the hearts of all Sri Lankans and he will be sorely missed by the entire cricketing world.
Former Sri Lanka Captain Kumar Sangakkara on Facebook.

"Tony was a very willing opponent on the field, but was equally willing as a friend off the field. He made himself into a successful Test cricketer and Test captain by that willingness to take the game up to his opponent whether with bat or ball. He was also one of the best slip catchers of all time. I got to know Tony well during the World Series period and have worked with Tony many times since as a commentator. His enthusiasm for the game and his combative nature came to the fore in this role as well and while he was always happy to stir the Australian audiences, behind the scenes he loved this country as much as we do. My memories of Tony are of his gregariousness and his generosity of nature."

Former Australia captain Greg Chappell on the Cricket Australia website.

"I don't know as a player whether he was an icon. I think in some ways he'll be remembered more for his commentary in Australia. I don't think that is a bad thing to say about him because he was very special as a commentator. He got the place alive and working, that Channel 9 commentary box. He loved the game and he served the game very well."
Former Australia wicketkeeper Rod Marsh on ABC.

"It's a deeply upsetting time for his family and for everyone associated with Tony at Nine, and indeed for many, many others who came to know and love the man. He's not only been part of our family, but he's had a seat at the head of the table."
Channel Nine chief executive David Gyngell.

"He was a combative on-field rival of Australian cricket but became one of Australian cricket's firmest friends, with his long-running role as a Channel Nine commentator making him an Australian household name."
Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards.

"Vale Tony Greig, a good man, a strong man, a trailblazer, a crash-hat wearer. Pitch reporters have lost their patron ..summer is poorer."
Kerry O'Keeffe, former Australian cricketer and commentator on Twitter.

"Tony Greig will forever be in our commentary box. RIP Tony. It was a privilege to play against you and to work with you."
Alan Wilkins, former Glamorgan player and commentator, on Twitter.

"Awfully sad news with Tony Greig's passing. A significant contributor to players' rights worldwide and never afraid to speak his mind."
Paul Marsh, Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive, on Twitter.

"Tony will long be remembered as someone who gave so much to cricket in this country and in particular to the development of the sport in this State. As someone who resided in Sydney and was an outstanding cricketer with the Waverley Cricket Club, Tony was actively involved in the promotion of cricket at junior level, particularly through his close relationship with the Scots College. He was forthright and passionate about the game and always thinking about how it could move forwards and develop."
Cricket NSW chairman Harry Harinath.

"RIP Tony Greig. You have left a great footprint on the world of cricket. My condolences to the Greig family."

Brian Lara, former West Indies captain, on Twitter.

"Saddened to hear the passing away of Tony Greig, RIP. Great commentator, mentor, player & friend will be missed by the cricketing family."
Tom Moody, former Australia allrounder, coach and commentator on Twitter.

"RIP Tony Greig. So many memories. So much to thank him for, for where the modern game is, along with many of his mates @ the time."
Graham Manou, former Australia wicketkeeper, on Twitter.

"RIP Tony Greig. Mentor and friend. We will miss you, a genuine friend and admirer of SL cricket. It was indeed a pleasure to have known you!"
Russell Arnold, former Sri Lanka batsman and commentator, on Twitter.

Tim Horan