I am particularly sad because I saw his greatness beat India almost singlehandedly at the Eden Gardens. He scored a hundred, bowled swing, cutters and even off spin and fielded at the closest of Silly Points you would ever imagine (mark you - he was 6'7"). In that series he invented a new batting stance to counter our Spin Trio (particularly Chandra) - Standing upright with bat in the air. Yet while doing all this he was never short in entertainment. Those days, the stands (Ranji Stand) near the AIR Station used to be most vocal - literally screaming all the time. The picture that remains vivid in my memory is of Tony on his knees - bat lying by his side -hands folded requesting the crowd to be a little quiet for him to concentrate. Right throughout the Test he was ever smiling and never let an opportunity go by without causing a great laugh. Despite a heavy defeat, he won our hearts for his great skill and light hearted attitude . And his commentary as we all know was the most loveable. A few oft repeated popular phrases like - 'In the air and dropped / caught', 'As good as you would ever get to see', 'Like a trace of bullet', 'Short and rising'(to describe a short ball from a pace bowler),'It's all happening here' - can be attributed to him. He was a visionary too, because with Kerry Packer he invented the 'One Day Cricket'. The only point, where I disagreed with him was when he called the new devised game 'CRICKET' because I think it’s a different game altogeth
I am particularly sad because I saw his greatness beat India almost singlehandedly at the Eden Gardens. He scored a hundred, bowled swing, cutters and even off spin and fielded at the closest of Silly Points you would ever imagine (mark you - he was 6'7"). In that series he invented a new batting stance to counter our Spin Trio (particularly Chandra) - Standing upright with bat in the air. Yet while doing all this he was never short in entertainment. Those days, the stands (Ranji Stand) near the AIR Station used to be most vocal - literally screaming all the time. The picture that remains vivid in my memory is of Tony on his knees - bat lying by his side -hands folded requesting the crowd to be a little quiet for him to concentrate. Right throughout the Test he was ever smiling and never let an opportunity go by without causing a great laugh. Despite a heavy defeat, he won our hearts for his great skill and light hearted attitude . And his commentary as we all know was the most loveable. A few oft repeated popular phrases like - 'In the air and dropped / caught','As good as you would ever get to see', 'Like a trace of bullet','Short and rising'(to describe a short ball from a pace bowler),'It's all happening here' - can be attributed to him. He was a visionary too, because with Kerry Packer he invented the 'One Day Cricket'. The only point, where I disagreed with him was when he called the new devised game 'CRICKET' because to my mind it is a different game altogether.
I am particularly sad because I saw his greatness beat India almost singlehandedly at the Eden Gardens. He scored a hundred, bowled swing, cutters and even off spin and fielded at the closest of Silly Points you would ever imagine (mark you - he was 6'7"). In that series he invented a new batting stance to counter our Spin Trio (particularly Chandra) - Standing upright with bat in the air. Yet while doing all this he was never short in entertainment. Those days, the stands (Ranji Stand) near the AIR Station used to be most vocal - literally screaming all the time. The picture that remains vivid in my memory is of Tony on his knees - bat lying by his side -hands folded requesting the crowd to be a little quiet for him to concentrate. Right throughout the Test he was ever smiling and never let an opportunity go by without causing a great laugh. Despite a heavy defeat, he won our hearts for his great skill and light hearted attitude . And his commentary as we all know was the most loveable. A few oft repeated popular phrases like - 'In the air and dropped / caught','As good as you would ever get to see', 'Like a trace of bullet','Short and rising'(to describe a short ball from a pace bowler),'It's all happening here' - can be attributed to him. He was a visionary too, because with Kerry Packer he invented the 'One Day Cricket'. The only point, where I disagreed with him was when he called the new devised game 'CRICKET' because to my mind it is a different game altogether.
he was special and king of commentary his voice is superb which was suited to commentary specially in ODI format his aggression and style is superb his voice is completely brings full of excitement to watch the cricket on telivision mainly in india vs pakistan matches during 1999, 2003 world cups and sharjah.
He was d only player who lift opp.bastman on his arm after hit a Ton, i.e. Vishwanth of India in 1972-73 Series, Wat Cricter his, wat a Game Sprit he has.May His Soul Rest in Peace
An England all rounder who captained the side and a commentator par excellence. Cricket lovers all over the world will miss a commentator of his calibre.
