da aviator aposta： Tony Cozier, the West Indian cricket writer, commentator and journalist, has died in his hometown of Barbados at the age of 75 after an illness
ESPNcricinfo staff11-May-20168:40
Holding: Cozier was the doyen of WI cricket
Tony Cozier, the West Indian cricket writer, commentator and journalist, has died in his home country, Barbados, at the age of 75 after an illness. He had been admitted to hospital on May 3 for tests related to infections in the neck and legs.Cozier began writing on cricket as a teenager in 1958 and, despite not having played the game at a high level, he became one of its most distinguished voices. His last column on these pages was published on May 1.Lloyd: ‘His was the pen which wrote of our exploits’
da premier bet： “In the 70s and 80s when we did extremely well, he was the voice and was the eyes through which people saw our game. He was the voice they listened to, his was the pen which wrote of our exploits,” Clive Lloyd, former West Indies captain and current chairman of selectors, told CMC. “We didn’t have too many other journalists travelling with us, so Tony covered the game and did it very well.
I did my first book with him and it was a pleasure to be associated with him over the years. He saw West Indies cricket grow and blossom and has been in all eras of our cricket. We have lost a great man. He left some wonderful memories with us and his voice will be remembered forever around the world.”
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Cozier today,” the ICC said on Twitter. “One of the truly great voices of cricket. A huge loss for the cricket community.”The WICB’s tribute hailed Cozier’s service to the game: “The lifelong work of Tony Cozier centred around West Indies cricket and he made a lasting contribution to the game. He ensured that West Indies cricket fans all around the world received information and knowledge about their beloved team and their favourite players. His life was dedicated to the game in the Caribbean and we salute him for his outstanding work.”He was not just a great journalist, but also a great ambassador. He represented West Indies wherever he went. He educated people around the world about our cricket, our people, our culture and who we are. His voice was strong and echoed around the cricket world. He enjoyed West Indies victories and shared the pain when we lost. He gave a lifetime of dedicated service and will be remembered by all who came into contact with him.”Cozier, whose father Jimmy was also a cricket writer, began his commentary career during Australia’s tour of West Indies in 1965. Over five decades, Cozier grew into an accomplished media professional across mediums all over the world. He worked in radio and television, wrotebooks, and was published in newspapers, magazines and on the internet.He edited the between 1970 and 1991, and in 1978 wrote the acclaimed book, . In 2011, the MCC awarded Cozier life membership for his services to the game.It was estimated that Cozier was among the most prolific watchers of Test cricket anywhere. Wisden in 2003 reported that he had watched 266 Tests in his 40-odd years of covering the game up to that point.Sambit Bal, ESPNcricinfo’s editor-in-chief, said Cozier was one of the most credible voices in West Indies cricket. “To say Tony loved cricket would be somewhat shallow: cricket was his life, and it was a life of great distinction. He cared for the game deeply and absolutely, and his heart bled for West Indian cricket, which he served as a broadcaster, writer and conscience-keeper for five decades. His was the most credible voice from the region and, in the last decade-and-a-half, an anguished one. He gave the game as much as he got from it and it can safely be said that he will be impossible to replace, on ESPNcricinfo and elsewhere.”Cozier is survived by wife Jillian, his daughter Natalie and his son Craig, who had returned from India where he was working as a television producer for the IPL to be with his father.