LONDON, Sept 4: Former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott, one of the greatest opening batsmen in test history, has been diagnosed with cancer, the BBC reported Wednesday.

The 62-year-old Yorkshireman announced in a statement he had pulled out of a commentating job for England’s fourth Test against India starting on Thursday after tests last week.

“Tests were made on a lump which was removed from my neck in hospital last Friday, and today I was informed that the tests revealed the existence of cancerous tissue,” he said.

“Further tests will now be taken to determine the extent and possible treatment.

“I am sad to be missing the Oval Test and I wished to explain my sudden withdrawal from commentating.”

Boycott, who made his debut for England against Australia in 1964, scored 8,114 Test runs at an average of 47.42 in a 108-match career spanning three decades.—Reuters