Former England captain Tony Greig passes away

Former England cricket captain and veteran commentator Tony Greig has died after a battle with lung cancer, aged 66.Greig, who played a senior role in the World Series Cricket revolution, was a distinctive voice in cricket broadcasting. He was diagnosed with the illness in October.Most Indians would have known Greig for his enthusiastic commentary -- in particular, his 'They're dancing in the aisles!" phrase. But he was an accomplished allrounder in his own right.[caption id="attachment_572266" align="alignleft" width="380"] Former England cricket captain and veteran commentator Tony Greig. Getty Images[/caption]Born in Queenstown, South Africa, he played 58 Tests for England between 1972 and 1977 -- making 3599 runs at an average of 40.43 and also claimed 141 wickets at 32.20.The South Africa-born Greig made his test debut for England against Australia in Manchester in 1972 and amassed 3,599 runs for an average of 40.43 until his last match at the Oval against the same opponents in 1977.An imposing figure standing at 6ft-6in, Greig was also a successful bowler with 141 test wickets at an average of 32.20.Greig's captaincy ended in controversy when he was stripped of the post for his role in helping late Australian businessman Kerry Packer set up World Series Cricket in the 1970s.Greig, a long-time resident Down Under, became a summer fixture in Australian lounge-rooms as a commentator for Channel Nine's international cricket coverage, among a number of roles in the media.