Tony Cozier
Bridgetown - Cozier passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75 following a long illness
- PTI
-
Updated: Thu 12 May 2016, 9:31 PM
From Michael Holding to Virender Sehwag, the cricket fraternity mourned the demise of renowned West Indies commentator Tony Cozier and paid glowing tributes to the legendary voice of the game.
Cozier passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75 following a long illness.
He covered almost every West Indies series since 1962, and is one of the most respected cricket writer, broadcaster and historian to have come out of the Caribbean. He had been hospitalised on May 3 for tests related to infections in the neck and legs.
"First of all we have to appreciate that this is a very, very sad day. Not just for West Indian cricket, but for Tony's entire family," said Michael Holding, whose autobiography 'Whispering Death' was co-authored by Cozier.
Darren Sammy, who led West Indies to their second T20 World triumph, said, "Condolences go out to the families and friends of #TonyCozier That voice will forever be in my head #RIPTonyCozier."
Former India opener Virender Sehwag said, "Tony Cozier for me you were champagne on air."
Cozier, whose father Jimmy was also a cricket writer, began his commentary career with the Australia tour of the West Indies in 1965.
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados in 1940, Cozier began a 50-year media career with his father Jimmy, who was managing editor of the St Lucia Voice and Barbados Daily.
Henry Blofeld, who did commentary with Cozier, wrote on twitter, "How desperately sad. Tony Cozier was a brilliant commentator & a truly great man. West Indies cricket has lost a man it will never replace.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said, "Deeply saddened that one of my favourite person in the world of cricket media has passed away. RIP Tony Cozier.
friday | MAY 13, 2016
'Croatian Cruyff' carries weight of expectations
Ailing Federer shown the door by Thiem
Page 5
Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakarra on Thursday backed calls for Kusal Perera to be called up to the current squad after the talented batsman was cleared to play following an admission by officials that he had been suspended over a botched drug test.
Asked if Sri Lanka should fly Perera, whose three Tests have already yielded two fifties, to England, Sangakkara replied: "I hope they do, The best thing you can do is to be allowed to play cricket again."