Cozier died in his home town of Bridgetown in Barbados after an illness.

He had been admitted to hospital on May 3 for tests related to infections in the neck and legs.

Cozier began reporting on cricket as a teenager in 1958 and, despite not having played the game at a high level, he became one of its finest and most distinguished voices.

West Indies bowling great and commentator, Michael Holding, told ESPN that he owes his career in broadcasting to Cozier.

“I spent a lot of time with him. He wrote my first book. First time I appeared on television doing cricket commentary was because of Tony Cozier.

“I had been in radio since 1988, just a couple of years. Then when TV Nine came to the Caribbean to cover West Indies cricket for the first time, the contract they had at the time with the West Indies Cricket Board stipulated two West Indian voices.

“Tony Cozier was obviously one, and Tony recommended me as a second. So he pretty much started my career in television.

“I owe him a lot. I've spent many, many years with him in the commentary box, radio, television, travelling around the world. It's certainly a great loss.”

Cozier is survived by wife Jillian, his daughter Natalie and his son Craig. Craig returned from India to be with this father. He was working as a television producer in the Indian Premier League.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport