Jeff Thomson's spell at Barbados in 1978 was the fastest I've seen: Tony Cozier

Wed, Aug 7, '13

Regarded by many as one of the leading commentators on TV and Radio, Winston Anthony "Tony" Cozier has been a cricket writer and commentator for West Indian cricket since 1958. Cozier is widely renowned for his extensive knowledge of cricket facts and statistics dating back to the 1950s and he has turned this passion for writing and numbers into a prolific career.

Cozier made his debut as a Test match commentator on radio during West Indies-Australia series in 1965. He has also commentated for Channel Nine in Australia, Test Match Special and also provides his expertise for the Sky Sports West Indies Cricket commentary team.

It's rare that one watches or listens to cricket from the West Indies without hearing Cozier's voice and cricket coverage from various eras and formats has been enhanced with his distinctive voice. The author of ‘The West Indies, ‘50 Years of Test Cricket’, Tony’s memory and expertise of cricket history and statistics has led to him being lauded worldwide. Some notable honours bestowed upon him are having the press box at the Kensington Oval being named after him as well as being granted an honorary lifetime membership with the MCC.

In an exclusive interview, Cozier spoke about his recollection of the best moments and the current state of West Indies cricket, the great fast bowlers hailing from the Caribbean over the years, his views on the talent of Brian Lara, the role of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and his thoughts on the recently-concluded series against Pakistan.