True Ambassador of Sri Lanka Cricket Tony Greig
Premasara Epasinghe
The word "Belief" can be defined as a feeling of real and true trust
on what one believes. When people face problems, fall sick, they
sometimes seek spiritual assistance by making "Vows", performing "Bodhi
Poojas" to the Bo-Tree where the Buddha attained Enlightenment. They
earnestly believe that these rituals will be a blessing to help the sick
one to recover his or her illnesses.
An unquestioning "Faith", the confidence will always help the
patient, as it will bring much confidence to him. Mentally it will be a
soothing balm to his mind.
This may have been the main reason that "Bodhi Poojas" are presently
very closely linked in the Bodhi Culture of the Sri Lankan Buddhist.
Therefore, whenever one of their dear one's fall sick, they hold Bodhi
Poojas by offering flowers, watering and reciting verses invoking the
blessings.
A Bodhi Pooja will be held at the Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo today
at 5.00 p.m. to invoke blessings on former South African born England
Cricket Captain, internationally reputed cricket commentator
par-excellence, a true Ambassador of Sri Lanka - Tony Greig, whom all
Sri Lankan cricket fans love.
I understand that this meritorious deed is arranged by the former
Chairman/President of Sri Lanka Cricket, present Colombo District
Parliamentarian Tilanga Sumathipala.
Tall 6 feet 7 inches, majestic, charismatic, lovable personality Tony
Greig was one of the cricket's Best All-Rounders. He was a swashbuckling
batsman and his off-drives and lofted drives were a treat to watch, when
he was in full cry.
A.W. Greig (Tony) was born in South Africa on 6th October 1945.
Later, their parents settled down in England. He played for Sussex. He
gained his England cap. In 1972, he shone as a complete all-round
cricketer in India. In the Final Test in Mumbai, he scored 148. In this
series, he scored 382 runs at 63.67.
Tony Greig, toured Caribbean next season, scored 430 runs with two
centuries and captured 24 wicket at 22.62 runs a piece. In Bridgetown,
he hammered 148 runs and captured 6 for 164. He was the first English
cricketer to score a hundred and capture five (5) wickets in an innings
of the same Test for England.
In 1974-75, Tony Greig, blasted the two great Australian fast bowlers
- Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson to the tune of 110 at Brisbane.
Incidently, this was the first century by an English batsman at Brisbane
Grounds since 1936-1937.
I have met Tony Greig in Sri Lanka, India, England and Pakistan in
the Box. Unassuming Tony, is a friendly personality and the
conversations I had with him was a real education. In fact, when I wrote
my book titled "Bradman Yugaya-Era" he obliged me and wrote the
"Foreward" to my book, which I consider as a great honour bestowed on
me.
Tony Greig was appointed captain of England in 1976-1977. Under his
astute leadership, England won the Test series against India 3-1. He
became the first to achieve the double of 3,000 runs and 100 wickets in
his 49th Test. In the Kolkota Test, he scored 103 runs.
His statistics given below shows what a great all-rounder he was.
In 58 Tests, he scored 3,599 runs - average 40.43, with 8 hundreds.
He captured 141 wickets at an average of 32.20, claiming 5 wickets in an
innings six times and pouched 87 catches.
He played 350 first-class matches, scored 16,660 runs at an average
of 31.19. He took 856 wickets. Average 28.85. He was a brilliant slip
fielder of his era. He held 345 catches. He scored 20 half centuries.
Tony Greig played a key-role in Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket,
which revolutionized cricket in the world. After WSC was born, he was
removed from the captaincy of England. Yet, he successfully continued to
play for England under Mike Brearley.
Tony Greig and I had the distinction of commentating on the World Cup
Finals in 1996, played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan. While Tony
was describing the "win hit" of Sri Lanka, when Arjuna Ranatunga glided
Macgrath through vacant slip position, in Television; I described it to
Sri Lanka, through the air-waves of SLBC which are unforgettable
memories for two of us.
In 1978, Tony Greig migrated to Sydney, Australia and started his
career as Chairman of an Insurance Company. Today, he is one of the
leading commentators in the world. He is a man, bold enough to call
spade a spade.
From the time coin is tossed, to interviewing the "Man of the Match"
at the end of the match, he commentator, expressing his special
sentiments. He is so popular among the cricket fans in the world as a TV
commentator, without the charismatic Tony the commentary is like the
Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark of Demnark. He is the most sought
after commentator in the worlds.
Unassuming Tony is a gentleman par excellence who loves Sri Lanka,
its people, history and culture. He is a superb after dinner speaker. He
had the proud distinction of delivering the prestigious "Colin Cowdrey
lecture," in 2012 at the Epic Centre of Cricket - Lord.
Dear Tony - I sent you an E-mail earlier, invoking blessings for a
speedy recovery. On 22nd, I will be participating in the Bodhi Pooja to
Bless you. We pray for you!
May the Triple Gem Bless You!
May God Bless You!
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