The world of cricket is in mourning for the batsman Tony Greig has died at the age of 66 after being diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year.

South Africa-born Greig, who played 58 Tests for England, initially developed bronchitis, with further tests showing a lesion at the base of his right lung.

He became synonymous with world cricket as a commentator for Australian television network Channel Nine following his retirement.

“Beloved Tony Greig, former England cricket captain, has passed away today at the age of 66,” Channel Nine said in a statement.

“Initially diagnosed with bronchitis in May, the condition lingered and testing revealed he had lung cancer.”

Greig scored 3,599 Test runs at an average of 40.43 and was also a useful bowler, claiming 141 wickets at an average of 32.20.

He finished playing for England at the age of 30 to take up a position in Kerry Packer’s breakaway World Series Cricket competition, where he was one of the star recruits.

The Channel Nine statement continued: “Tony Greig is a name synonymous with Australian cricket – from his playing days as the English captain we loved to hate, to his senior role in the revolution of World Series Cricket … and more than three decades of colourful and expert commentary.

“To his family and friends we pass on our best wishes.”

Greig made his Test debut for England against Australia in 1972, and captained the national team from 1975-1977 after succeeding Mike Denness as skipper.

He lived in Sydney from the late 1970s and commentated on cricket for Channel Nine for 33 years.

Reports in Australia indicated he suffered a heart attack at home and was taken to hospital where attempts to revive him failed.

“He was rushed into St Vincent’s hospital. The staff of the emergency department worked on Mr Greig to no avail,” a hospital spokesman was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.