SYDNEY: Australian and Sri Lankan players paid their respects to Tony Greig in a moving farewell to the former England captain before the start of play in the third Test yesterday.
A minute’s silence was observed by players wearing black armbands and fans in honour of Greig, who died at the weekend aged 66 from a heart attack while battling lung cancer.
A trademark Greig sunhat was placed symbolically on the stumps at the Sydney Cricket Ground before being taken away by his sons, Mark and Tom.
The sons embraced and headed from the ground before the start of play.
Greig’s family and the Channel 9 commentary team were invited by opposing captains Michael Clarke and Mahela Jayawardene to join the players and officials on the playing arena before the match started.
His wife Vivian was overcome by the cricket community’s response.
“I just wish he could have seen it,” she said. “I’m so grateful, truly grateful.
“For Channel 9 and Cricket Australia to organise this tribute to him is truly touching.”
Greig played 58 Tests for his adopted country England between 1972 and 1977, scoring 3,599 runs with eight centuries. AFP
