01-01-2013, 14:12
Test Match Special commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins has died of cancer at the age of 67.
Martin-Jenkins joined the BBC in 1970 and commentated on his first match, a one-day international, in 1972.
In 1973 he succeeded Brian Johnston as the BBC's cricket correspondent, a post he held until 1991, with a break between 1981 and 1984.
He was cricket correspondent of the Daily Telegraph from 1991 to 1999 and of The Times from 1999 to 2008.
He was diagnosed with cancer in January 2012, shortly after returning from commentating duties in the United Arab Emirates.
Martin-Jenkins' Test Match Special colleague and friend, current BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew, was among those who paid tribute to the journalist. "CMJ, as he was widely known, was one of cricket's most respected writers and broadcasters," said Agnew.
"With modern media now preferring the views and experiences of former Test match cricketers, Christopher's authority and respect was not gained from a high-profile playing career, but a deep-rooted love of the game linked to a strong protective instinct which helped him earn the most coveted position of president of the MCC [Marylebone Cricket Club].
"Listeners to Test Match Special were all too familiar with CMJ's eccentricities - like going to the wrong ground for the start of a Test match. His legendary, chaotic time-keeping was very much part of his charm.
"Considering the years he worked as editor of The Cricketer magazine, and as correspondent for the BBC twice, the Daily Telegraph and the Times, and 40 years commentating on Test Match Special and the many books he wrote, it is doubtful that anyone has contributed more in a lifetime to the overall coverage of cricket than Christopher Martin-Jenkins."
Former England captain Sir Ian Botham tweeted: "Very sad to hear of the death of the 'Major', Christopher Martin-Jenkins. Our thoughts are with the family. A true Gentleman."
Test Match Special producer Adam Mountford said: "CMJ was one of the voices of the English summer - a true gentleman who embraced the changes in cricket whilst acting as a guardian of its traditions and values.
"Quite simply he will be remembered as one of the legendary characters of cricket writing and broadcasting," he continued. "The thoughts of all of us on TMS are with Judy and his family."
Mike Griffith, current president of the MCC, said: "CMJ will be sorely missed. I was fortunate to know him from his schooldays at Marlborough College and we became good friends.
"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."
Wisden editor Lawrence Booth also paid tribute: "RIP CMJ - a warm voice from childhood and beyond."
Martin-Jenkins was a useful schoolboy cricketer for Marlborough and also played for Surrey's second XI.
His journalistic talents were encouraged by the legendary EW Swanton and he joined the Cricketer magazine as his assistant editor.
Martin-Jenkins was given an MBE in 2009 and served as the MCC's president in 2010 and 2011.
His son Robin played county cricket for Sussex before retiring in 2010.
Martin-Jenkins joined the BBC in 1970 and commentated on his first match, a one-day international, in 1972.
In 1973 he succeeded Brian Johnston as the BBC's cricket correspondent, a post he held until 1991, with a break between 1981 and 1984.
He was cricket correspondent of the Daily Telegraph from 1991 to 1999 and of The Times from 1999 to 2008.
He was diagnosed with cancer in January 2012, shortly after returning from commentating duties in the United Arab Emirates.
Martin-Jenkins' Test Match Special colleague and friend, current BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew, was among those who paid tribute to the journalist. "CMJ, as he was widely known, was one of cricket's most respected writers and broadcasters," said Agnew.
"With modern media now preferring the views and experiences of former Test match cricketers, Christopher's authority and respect was not gained from a high-profile playing career, but a deep-rooted love of the game linked to a strong protective instinct which helped him earn the most coveted position of president of the MCC [Marylebone Cricket Club].
"Listeners to Test Match Special were all too familiar with CMJ's eccentricities - like going to the wrong ground for the start of a Test match. His legendary, chaotic time-keeping was very much part of his charm.
"Considering the years he worked as editor of The Cricketer magazine, and as correspondent for the BBC twice, the Daily Telegraph and the Times, and 40 years commentating on Test Match Special and the many books he wrote, it is doubtful that anyone has contributed more in a lifetime to the overall coverage of cricket than Christopher Martin-Jenkins."
Former England captain Sir Ian Botham tweeted: "Very sad to hear of the death of the 'Major', Christopher Martin-Jenkins. Our thoughts are with the family. A true Gentleman."
Test Match Special producer Adam Mountford said: "CMJ was one of the voices of the English summer - a true gentleman who embraced the changes in cricket whilst acting as a guardian of its traditions and values.
"Quite simply he will be remembered as one of the legendary characters of cricket writing and broadcasting," he continued. "The thoughts of all of us on TMS are with Judy and his family."
Mike Griffith, current president of the MCC, said: "CMJ will be sorely missed. I was fortunate to know him from his schooldays at Marlborough College and we became good friends.
"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."
Wisden editor Lawrence Booth also paid tribute: "RIP CMJ - a warm voice from childhood and beyond."
Martin-Jenkins was a useful schoolboy cricketer for Marlborough and also played for Surrey's second XI.
His journalistic talents were encouraged by the legendary EW Swanton and he joined the Cricketer magazine as his assistant editor.
Martin-Jenkins was given an MBE in 2009 and served as the MCC's president in 2010 and 2011.
His son Robin played county cricket for Sussex before retiring in 2010.
Ive spent many an hour stuck in traffic on the M4 listening to TMS over the years and CMJ was one of those great summer voices. There's only Henry Blofeld left now.