MCC Leads Tributes As Martin-Jenkins Dies Aged 67

MCC Leads Tributes As Martin-Jenkins Dies Aged 67

Christopher Martin-Jenkins (right), pictured here handing an award to Australia's Alex Blackwell, has passed away at the age of 67

©REUTERS / Action Images

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has paid tribute to former broadcaster and writer Christopher Martin-Jenkins, who has passed away at the age of 67.

Martin-Jenkins was awarded an MBE in 2009 and subsequently served as president of the MCC between 2010 and 2011. He played for the club 67 times after becoming a member in 1967.

Paying tribute, current President Mike Griffith said:

"CMJ will be sorely missed. I was fortunate to know him from his schooldays at Marlborough College and we became good friends.

"Christopher gave tremendous service to cricket and to MCC, where he was President as recently as 2010. As a commentator and journalist he was passionate about upholding the values of the game and always expressed his views with clarity and humour.

"Everyone at MCC shares the sadness now being felt by the cricketing world that his live commentaries will never be heard again. On behalf of all Members of the Club I have sent our deepest condolences to Christopher’s widow Judy and their children Robin, James and Lucy."

In 2007, Martin-Jenkins became the first journalist to deliver the annual MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey lecture and in 2009 was elected to the MCC Committee prior to succeeding John Barclay as President one year later.

Martin-Jenkins' long association with BBC's Test Match Special began in 1973 and he wrote for The Times and The Daily Telegraph, among other titles.

His death comes just days after the death of Tony Greig, who like Martin-Jenkins, was a much-loved and respected commentator, and tragically also succumbed to cancer.

© Cricket World 2013