Former England captain and Channel 9 commentator Tony Greig has died after being diagnosed with lung cancer, the Nine Network has announced. He was 66.

Greig first became aware he had a problem during Australia’s one-day series against Pakistan in Dubai in August and September.

Initially diagnosed with bronchitis in May, the condition lingered and, by the time of the ICC World Twenty20 that finished in Sri Lanka in October, Greig had tests that revealed a small lesion at the base of his right lung.

On his return to Australia he had fluid removed from the right lung and testing revealed he had lung cancer.

Last month, he spoke to the Channel Nine commentary team, of which he is usually a member, during their coverage of the first Test between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane.

Greig was candid about the disease.

“It’s not good. The truth is I’ve got lung cancer. Now it’s a case of what they can do,” Greig said.

He had on operation later that month.