Tony Cozier's Death Draws Glowing Tributes From Cricketing Fraternity

From Michael Holding to Virender Sehwag, the cricket fraternity mourned the demise of renowned West Indies commentator Tony Cozier and paid glowing tributes to the legendary voice of the game.

Cozier passed away yesterday at the age of 75 following a long illness.

He covered almost every West Indies series since 1962, and is one of the most respected cricket writer, broadcaster and historian to have come out of the Caribbean. He had been hospitalised on May 3 for tests related to infections in the neck and legs.

"First of all we have to appreciate that this is a very, very sad day. Not just for West Indian cricket, but for Tony's entire family," said Michael Holding, whose autobiography 'Whispering Death' was co-authored by Cozier.

Saddened to hear of the passing of the great Tony Cozier. A voice of cricket, a commentary legend and a gentleman. He will truly be missed

- Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) May 12, 2016

Current West Indies star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo wrote on his twitter handle, "What a sad day for cricket, especially WI cricket, and the fans. RIP Mr Cozier. Gone but you will never be forgotten."

Sad news to lose one of the finest cricket commentator TONY COZIER. They live in our memory for https://t.co/b6REkrSGr5 my friend.

- Kapil Dev (@therealkapildev) May 12, 2016

South African speedster Dale Steyn said, "What a sad day for cricket, especially WI cricket, and the fans. RIP Mr Cozier. Gone but you will never be forgotten."

Darren Sammy, who led West Indies to their second T20 World triumph, said, "Condolences go out to the families and friends of #TonyCozier That voice will forever be in my head #RIPTonyCozier."

Once a teammate and captain of Steyn, Graeme Smith said, "I'm really upset about the passing of Tony Cozier. He was one of the finest the comm box has ever been blessed with and a good friend. RIP."

Former India opener Virender Sehwag said, "Tony Cozier for me you were champagne on air."

Cozier, whose father Jimmy was also a cricket writer, began his commentary career with the Australia tour of the West Indies in 1965.

Tony Cozier for me you were champagne on air .. #SmoothVoiceRIP #TonyCozier pic.twitter.com/cD9XURRsN0

- Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 11, 2016

Born in Bridgetown, Barbados in 1940, Cozier began a 50-year media career with his father Jimmy, who was managing editor of the St Lucia Voice and Barbados Daily.

Henry Blofeld, who has done commentary with Cozier, wrote on twitter, "How desperately sad. Tony Cozier was a brilliant commentator & a truly great man. West Indies cricket has lost a man it will never replace.

"Tony Cozier was only commentator able to walk seamlessly & brilliantly from the TV to the radio com box - two vastly different disciplines."

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said, "Deeply saddened that one of my favourite person in the world of cricket media has passed away. RIP Tony Cozier."

Cricket Australia also paid tribute to the veteran West Indian commentator.

Tony Cozier: The voice of @WestIndies cricket. Gone... but never forgotten.https://t.co/WghzaC9O5v

- cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) May 12, 2016

CA Chief Executive James Sutherland said in a statement: "Like generations before me I had the great privilege of listening to Tony Cozier bring Caribbean cricket to millions of Australians. His mellow West Indian accent, astute observations and clever turn of phrase added to the colour and excitement of Caribbean tours to Australia.

Saddened to hear about the passing away of Tony Cozier.He was the voice of WI cricket and was deeply in love with the game.May his soul RIP

- VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 12, 2016

"Tony was also a pioneer as a founding commentator of World Series Cricket, when the game lit up with day-night matches, changing cricket forever.

"As an informative and colourful journalist he kept the cricket world abreast of a diverse and exotic region which has so embraced the game."