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29 March 2024

England cricket great Greig to undergo lung surgery

Television commentator Tony Greig (left) looks on as Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara (second left) tosses the coin look on before the Pakistan v Sri Lanka 2011 ICC World Cup Group A match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 26, 2011 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (GETTY)

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By Staff

England cricket great Tony Greig, diagnosed with lung cancer last month, is to undergo surgery on Tuesday.

The popular television commentator was in great form as he joined his Channel Nine colleagues for a surprise cameo appearance during their coverage of the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane.

The 66-year-old was upbeat during his chat with his commentary colleagues and was candid about the disease.

"It's not good. The truth is I've got lung cancer. Now it's a case of what they can do," Greig said.

He will spend the weekend in Sydney before undergoing surgery.

The former England skipper vowed to come back from what he term "this little setback".

He said: "I'm going in on Monday for a Tuesday operation. Then we'll start to fight back after that.

"Once they've done the operation the plan is to have some chemotherapy to see if we can make a dent in this little bit of a setback I've had."

A father of four, his family is his immediate priority but he clearly missed the Channel Nine family.

"It's been an incredible, very short journey so far. You've got no idea how much one misses going to the cricket on a day like today when you have been doing it for 33 years. It takes a little bit of getting used to," he said.

Greig first became aware he had a problem during Australia's one-day series against Pakistan in Dubai in August and September.

Initially diagnosed with bronchitis in May, the condition lingered and, by the time of the ICC World Twenty20 that finished in Sri Lanka last month, Greig had tests that revealed a small lesion at the base of his right lung.

On his return to Australia he had fluid removed from the right lung and testing revealed he had lung cancer.

The South African-born all-rounder who is domiciled in Australia received messages of support ever since his condition was diagnosed, particularly from his multitude of fans in Sri Lanka.