Tony Greig, Richie Benaud, Ravi Shastri: These cricketers turned commentators

Cricketer-turned-commentator David Gower turns 63 today. On this day, we list out some prolific cricketers who later on turned to commentary after retiring from the game

Updated On: 2018-10-06 12:55 PM IST

Ravi Shastri

He is a former Indian cricketer who represented Bengal and Delhi at a domestic level but played only 16 Tests and ODIs for India. His domestic record boasted of over 10,000 runs, a top score of 287 and a healthy average of 46.94. As a commentator though he has made a name for himself with interesting remarks

A hard working fast bowler, who led the New Zealand attack for a decade, Morrison has won fans owing to his charming and 'happy-go-lucky' styled commentary

Tony Greig was an England Test cricket captain turned commentator. Born in South Africa, Greig qualified to play for the English national team by virtue of his Scottish parentage. He was a tall (6 feet 6 inches or 1.98 metres) batting all-rounder who bowled both medium pace and off spin. Greig was captain of England from 1975 to 1977, and captained Sussex. Tony Greig played 58 Tests scoring 8 centuries for England. Tony Greig began to have severe bouts of coughing in May 2012; initially bronchitis was diagnosed. After undergoing tests a small malignant lesion was found in his right lung. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2012. He underwent an operation for the cancer in November and the same month was quoted as telling colleagues at the Nine Network that It's not good. The truth is I've got lung cancer. Now it's a case of what they can do. Tony Greig died at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney on 29 December 2012 after going into cardiac arrest following a suspected heart attack. He was 66.

Even though the former Pakistan captain could not fulfil his full potential as a batsman, he has been an articulate voice of the game for over a decade now

Arguably the most elegant player of his time, who scored over 8000 Test runs with 18 tons, Gower has gone on to establish himself as an equally soothing voice in the commentary box

As a cricketer, Sidhu tasted moderate success and was rarely in the limelight. Since joining the mike brigade though, he has constantly grabbed eyeballs. He has as many critics as fans due to his erratic approach to commentary

Born in Shimla, Punjab during British India era, this seamer who was also nicknamed 'Shoreditch sparrow' played 4 Tests and 15 ODIs. Undergoing treatment for cancer since 2012, Jackman is a prolific commentator and is also part of the commentary team for the IPL.

A moderately successful English skipper, Hussain has made a name for himself as an analyst who speaks his mind

An all-rounder who exceeded his limited potential, Shastri began off as a much-loved commentator, but over the years his charisma has disappeared owing to his stagnant style

One of the greatest all-rounders the world has ever produced, the Englishman led his side to numerous memorable wins during the 80s. Botham has remained a highly popular commentator, particularly in England, in his post-retirement days

After 10000 Test runs and 34 hundreds, Sunny made a successful transition to the microphone, and remains among the most popular Indian commentators

With over 8000 Test runs and 22 hundreds, Boycott is regarded as one of the finest openers the game has produced. Post retirement, he has become an effervescent commentator

Benaud was a former Australian cricketer who represented New South Wales before playing for Australia in 1952. He scored 2,201 runs in his 63 Tests with an average of 24.45 and a highest score of 122. He has 3 Test hundreds and 9 fifties. Benaud was also a well-known first-class cricketer. He is considered to be amongst the most classic commentators of all time.

An astute captain during his playing days, Chappell was also a highly capable batsman, averaging 42 in 75 Tests. As a commentator, he is regarded as a highly respected voice on the game. Pic (left) Getty Images

'Whispering Death' as he was referred to during his playing days, Holding was among the most fearsome fast bowlers in the world in the 80s. Behind the mike though he is as gentle as the guy next door

The man who redefined one-day cricket, walking down the pitch to fast bowlers and running like a hare between the wickets, Jones has gone on to become a moderately successful commentator

While his potential as a batsman remained unfulfilled at the top level, Manjrekar is making a good impression as a thoughtful voice on the game

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