Tony Greig diagnosed with lung cancer

Nine cricket commentator Tony Greig has revealed he has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.

Greig, 66, first became aware he had a problem during Australia’s one-day series against Pakistan in August. Initially diagnosed with bronchitis in May, the condition lingered. Tests later revealed a small lesion at the base of his right lung.

“I have had a few scrapes in my life and this is another one,” Greig told The Sunday Telegraph.

“(His wife) Vivian and I are going to put the boxing gloves on and fight this like we’ve never fought anything before.”

He will have a biopsy later this week to gauge the extent of the cancer.

A Channel Nine spokesperson told The Sun-Herald it was too early to say how the cancer would affect Greig’s role as a commentator for the summer of cricket which begins next month.

Greig is the second Nine personality to be diagnosed with cancer in as many weeks after it was revealed Peter Harvey was battling cancer of the pancreas.

Statement from Nine:

Nine Entertainment Co CEO David Gyngell today conveyed the best wishes of the network to veteran cricket commentator Tony Greig, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

“Tony Greig is a name synonymous with Australian cricket – from his playing days as the English captain we loved to hate, to his senior role in the revolution of World Series Cricket, his infamous car keys in the pitch reports and more than three decades of colourful and expert commentary,” he said.

“He’s a huge part of the Nine family, and because this is so obviously a very difficult time for Tony, every single one of us is wishing him well.

“Likewise, I’m sure, every cricket fan at the SCG, MCG, the Gabba and stadiums across Australia and the world will be cheering for him through his treatment.

Mr Gyngell said at a personal level he had enjoyed a close relationship with Tony Greig for most of his life.

“He’s been a larger-than-life, generous and inherently decent man, and I am thinking of him and his family and hoping for the best possible outcome”