Mark Taylor, Mark Nicholas, Tony Greig's sons Mark and Tom Greig, wife Vivian, daughter Beau, Richie Benaud, Michael Slater and Glenn McGrath at the SCG yesterday. Source: The Daily Telegraph
Tributes have flowed following the passing of cricketing legend Tony Greig.
THERE will be a third team lining up at the anthem ceremony before the third Test between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground today.
Tony Greig's family and the Channel 9 commentary team have been invited by opposing captains Michael Clarke and Mahela Jayawardene to join the players and officials on the SCG before play.
The gesture continues the tributes to Greig following his sudden death on Saturday from a heart attack as he fought lung cancer.
His wife Vivian has been overcome by the outpouring of emotion following her husband's sudden passing.
"I just wish he could have seen it," she said, wiping away tears at the SCG yesterday.
"I'm so grateful, truly grateful.
"For Channel 9 and Cricket Australia to organise this tribute to him is truly touching.
"Channel 9 has been like a family. They have been working together for such a long time."
Tony Greig's young son Tom mimics his dad's trademark of putting a key in the wicket with Mark Greig, Tony's oldest son, Tony's wife Vivian and daughter Beau. Source: The Daily Telegraph
Clarke was close to Greig. The skipper will wear a handkerchief around his neck as Greig did in his playing days, honouring the contribution the South African-born former England captain made to the game on and off the field over four decades.
Clarke contacted Greig during the first Test against South Africa two months ago.
"Michael was 100 not out overnight in Brisbane with so much on his mind and he took the time to send Tony a text. He was really touched," Vivian recalled.
Friend and foe alike were there during the most opportune times as Greig began his battle with cancer late last year.
"We had a really dark day early on in the piece and we weren't quite sure what the way forward would be," Vivian said.
"We were holding hands and had run out of things to say and the phone rang. It was Dennis Lillee.
"Hearing that big strong voice at the other end really gave Tony a fantastic lift. It was just the right voice at just the right time."
The other member of Australia's most terrifying opening bowling combination, Jeff Thomson, had also been in regular contact.
Tony Greig's sons Mark and Tom with wife Vivian and daughter Beau at the SCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph
"He was a wonderful character, a high-class cricketer and top-class commentator and was loved not only in Australia and England but throughout Sri Lanka and the Asian countries as well," Benaud said.
"It's sad and it will get sadder, but the tributes that have come out I think have been terrific."
Mark Taylor recalled being overawed when he first joined the commentary team.
"He was daunting, he was a big man," Taylor said.
"Tony joked there was the big four, Richie Benaud, Billy Lawry, Ian Chappell and Tony and Ian Healy and I were the little two.
"As I got to know him I realised that Greigy was one of those guys who would laugh at himself."
Greig's death has added an extra layer for Glenn McGrath as he prepares for Sydney's now annual pink Test.
"It does add a lot more emotion but I try to look at it in a positive way," McGrath said.
"If you look at all the good that has come out of the McGrath Foundation with the life Jane led, and it's the same with Tony and the impact he had on people all around the world as a player then as a commentator.
"This Test is going to be pretty full on because of that."
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