MELBOURNE, Australia (CMC) — Cricket Australia has paid tribute to the late Tony Cozier, highlighting his key role in the ground-breaking World Series Cricket staged here during the late 1970s.

Cozier, the preeminent cricket broadcaster and print journalist, died in his native Barbados on Wednesday following a brief hospitalisation. He was 75.

“Like generations before me I had the great privilege of listening to Tony Cozier bring Caribbean cricket to millions of Australians,” CA’s chief executive, James Sutherland, said.

“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.”

Cozier’s career spanned nearly six decades, in which time he became widely acclaimed as the ‘voice of West Indies cricket’. His first international commentary stint came on Australia’s 1965 tour of the Caribbean, and he went on to work for nearly every major international media entity, including ABC and Channel Nine here.

He was also a member of BBC‘s popular radio cricket commentary programme, Test Match Special, and featured prominently during England’s tour of the Caribbean last year.

“As an informative and colourful journalist he kept the cricket world abreast of a diverse and exotic region which has so embraced the game,” Sutherland continued.

“Tony will be sadly missed around the world, including by many former and current Australian cricketers and fans who held deep affection for him and his commentary talents.

“The thoughts of the Australian cricket community are with his family and many friends at this sad time.”

Cozier was married to Jillian and had two children, Craig and Natalie.