Christopher Martin-Jenkins, BBC Test Match Special Commentator, Dies

The 'Major' Of Cricket Mourned

Tributes have been paid to Test Match Special commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins has died of cancer at the age of 67.

Mr Martin-Jenkins joined the BBC in 1970 and two years later commentated on his first match. He was also cricket correspondent for both the Times and the Telegraph at points during the 90s. He was given an MBE in 2009.

A statement from his family said: "Christopher died peacefully at home this morning after his brave resistance to cancer.

England captain Michael Vaughan presenting a special bat to Christopher Martin-Jenkins

"The family is extremely proud of all that he did to pass on his love of cricket worldwide with his gift of communicating through the spoken and written word.

"He was above all a much loved husband, brother, father and grandfather."

His Test Match Special colleague Jonathan Agnew, told the BBC: "CMJ, as he was widely known, was one of cricket's most respected writers and broadcasters.

"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.

"It is doubtful that anyone has contributed more in a lifetime to the overall coverage of cricket than Christopher Martin-Jenkins."

Cricketers and fans tweeted their condolences, with 'CMJ' trending top of Twitter on New Year's Day.

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