In a tribute to late cricketer-turned-commentator Tony Greig, who passed away after suffering from a heart attack last week, Australian captain Michael Clarke wore his signature neckerchief while leading his team onto the field in the second Test against Sri Lanka which started in Sydney on Thursday.
Besides, Greig’s trademark hat sat on the stumps in the Sydney Cricket Ground before the start of play. The players wore black armbands as a mark of respect to the South African-born former England captain who was battling lung cancer at the time of his death on Saturday, aged 66.
“He was an inspiration to cricket,” said Clarke, who was presented the neckerchief by Grieg’s son Tom before the start of play.
“The game owes Greigy a hell of a lot. If not for the great Kerry Packer and Tony Greig, the game wouldn’t be where it is today,” he added, referring to the rebel World Series Cricket which revolutionised the game. The players observed a minute’s silence, while Greig’s fellow commentators paid rich tributes to him.
“He was so strong in every way, a man I always liked to have on my side,” said Benaud. “We will get on with it as he would have wished. And at the end of the day we will raise a glass to our gifted colleague and friend forever.”
Former Australian captain Ian Chappell remembered Greig as a courageous person. “He was combative but he was not about to take advantage of you,” said Chappell.
Thousands of fans, who turned up on Thursday, wore Greig-style sun hats to pay tribute to him. Greig’s other son Mark was also in attendance at the SCG.
