A letter to Tony Greig

Dear Tony,

I know it has been a long time since you’ve passed, and that the cricketing world has been left with a void. But on a personal front, you have brought back some nostalgic moments for me.

SYDNEY, AUS – JAN 03: The hat of the late Tony Greig, former England Test cricket captain turned commentator; is seen resting on the stumps ahead of play during day one of the Third Test between Australia and Sri Lanka.

You wouldn’t have ever realized but you were one of the main reasons for me falling in love with cricket. Initially, cricket was just all about Sachin Tendulkar, till the time you made me your devotee with that iconic microphone in your hand.

The sheer excitement you possessed with the mic in the commentary box was unparalleled to none. I was just seven years old when you won my heart with your voice. The year 1998, when you and Sachin Tendulkar made the most paramount partnership in the cricketing history.

This partnership is unique in its own right, with one being on the 22 yard pitch and the other being at the commentary box. “They are dancing in the aisles of Sharjah”, is a statement that still brings goose bumps.

The innings is still imprinted in my mind perfectly. I was out to attend a wedding, and it was only outside the hall that all the people had assembled. The security guard had the television where the match was on. Being too short at that time, I could not watch the game properly. At that moment Tony, you were my saviour. Your voice made me comfortable as each event was delivered with a certain level of enthusiasm that showcased India was well on track to qualify for the final.

For me and many other Indians, waking up at 5:30 a.m has always been special. The famous games played in Australia pumps up everyone’s mood, but your dynamic partnership with Bill Lawry was something that can’t be easily expressed. The way the two of you enjoyed commentating was special. Suddenly the Ashes started feeling like a home series and Australia-England, and it was all because of you Tony.

Your conversations beyond cricket were refreshing, but they were also quite exasperating at times. The talk of vuvuzelas to be banned and young faces in crowd being given more importance rather than the happenings in the middle were sometimes hard to understand. It still amuses me when I watch the footage off you stating, “They (Girls) are changing behind the bowlers arm. That’s enough to make any batsman go off”. But, that is Tony Greig for you. Unique.

Indians would always remember you with the word “Whaddaa player” that you used for Tendulkar or for, “This should be called the Ganguly’s roof” when Dada smashed a couple of sixes towards mid on. But, more importantly, as a man who brought a childlike faculty in the most humdrum situations of everyday life.

Tony, I will miss you. Its heart wrenching to say these words, but that’s life. You were, and will always remain, my teacher, who taught me that when life throw stones at you, convert them into stepping stones.

Thank you for teaching me English with an amalgamation of enthusiasm. Thank you for creating a romantic out of an ordinary man. Don’t let the love for the game die when heaven offers a bigger battle. Tony you were a fighter, but sometimes you have to accept defeat; a trait you never believed in.

The cricketing world will never forget you. Rest in Peace, Sir Anthony William Greig.