PM Transcripts

Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia

Gillard, Julia

Period of Service: 24/06/2010 - 27/06/2013
Release Date:
29/12/2012
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
18974
Released by:
  • Minister for Sport
Passing of Tony Greig

Sydney

Australia has lost one of the iconic voices of sport with the passing today of Tony Greig.

A former English cricket captain, Tony Greig went on to become an enduring voice on television as a cricket commentator.

Greig was a wonderful example of someone who came to Australia from somewhere else in the world and embraced his adopted country as his own.

As a superb all-rounder, ambitious national captain and authoritative commentator over the best part of half a century, Greig's standing in the game is matched by very few others.

Most Australians would be deeply familiar with Greig the commentator, in particular his unique brand of colourful game-calling and entertaining banter with his Channel Nine colleagues.

His life in cricket wasn't always without controversy, but no one could doubt his passion and commitment to the sport he loved.

Tony Greig devoted every ounce of his professional life to cricket, and the sport is much greater for his enormous contribution.

Cricket has lost a giant today, but we're better as a sporting country for the life of Tony Greig.

The thoughts of the nation are with his wife Vivian and his children Mark, Sam, Beau and Tom as they grieve the loss of their husband and father.

18974