Tony Cozier, voice of cricket, will be missed: Wasim Akram

Tributes poured in from the likes of Wasim Akram, Kapil Dev, Michael Holding and Virender Sehwag a day after veteran cricket commentator and writer Tony Cozier breathed his last in Bridgetown.

Known as the voice of West Indies cricket, 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.

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.

South African speedster Dale Steyn took to Twitter to express his condolences.

His voice will echo in my mind forever! Condolences to the Cozier family https://t.co/8bbVOJ7gds Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) May 11, 2016

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 also had his message.

Tony Cozier for me you were champagne on air .. #SmoothVoiceRIP #TonyCozier pic.twitter.com/cD9XURRsN0 Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 11, 2016

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

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

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

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."

Cozier's commentary added colour to the game

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

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.

"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."