BBC Test Match Special commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins has died of cancer at the age of 67.
Affectionately known by colleagues and listeners as ‘CMJ’, he was one of cricket’s most distinguished and authoritative journalists and broadcasters for over 40 years as well as a former president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Described by the current TMS producer Adam Mountford as “one of the voices of the English summer”, Martin-Jenkins was diagnosed with cancer in January 2012, shortly after returning from commentating duties on England’s series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
In a statement his family said: “Christopher died peacefully at home this morning after his brave resistance to cancer
“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.”
Born in Peterborough, Martin-Jenkins joined the BBC as part of the Test Match Special radio commentary team in 1973, having previously had a modest cricketing career himself.
Martin-Jenkins was a useful schoolboy cricketer for Marlborough that peaked when he scored 99 at Lord’s and also played for Surrey’s second XI.
His journalistic talents were encouraged by the legendary cricket writer and BBC commentator EW Swanton and he joined the Cricketer magazine as his assistant editor.
Martin-Jenkins joined the BBC in 1970 and commentated on his first match, a one-day international, in 1972.
He succeeded Brian Johnston as the BBC’s cricket correspondent in 1973, a post he held until 1991, with a break between 1981 and 1984, and also contributed sporadically to the BBC’s television coverage of the sport during the 1980s.
CMJ was the Daily Telegraph’s cricket correspondent from 1991, until he joined its rival The Times in 1999 where he stayed until to 2008, where he was succeeded by former England batsman Michael Atherton.
He continued to contribute to the newspaper’s cricket coverage on a regular basis and also wrote numerous books about the sport.
One of the BBC’s most distinctive voices for over 40 years, Martin-Jenkins firmly established as one of the most respected popular commentators within the Test Match Special ranks.
His TMS colleague and close friend Jonathan Agnew was among many from within the world of cricket who paid tribute.
“CMJ, as he was widely known, was one of cricket’s most respected writers and broadcasters,” Agnew told the BBC.
“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.”
Test Match Special producer Adam Mountford told the BBC: “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. The thoughts of all of us on TMS are with Judy and his family.”
Mountford added on Twitter: “One of Christopher’s nicknames on TMS was “the late CMJ” due to his eccentric time keeping. So sad that we will now have to use that term.”
Former England captain and Sky Sports commentator 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!!”
Andrew Miller, editor of The Cricketer magazine, tweeted: “RIP Christopher Martin-Jenkins. A true friend of cricket, a formidable broadcaster and an inspiration to millions. He will be sorely missed.”
He added: “My big break in cricket writing came courtesy of CMJ & I’m surely not the only person who can say that. His generosity of spirit was unique.”
ECB chairman Giles Clarke said: “It was always a privilege and a pleasure to be in his company and share discussions with him about our great game.
“He was man of great personal integrity, a true gentleman and our thoughts today are with his family and his close friends.”
Martin-Jenkins was given an MBE in 2009 and served as the MCC’s president in 2010 and 2011.
His son Robin was a professional cricketer for Sussex until his retirement in 2010, making 162 first class appearances for the county.
A popular journalist and broadcaster who always reflected his love and respect for the sport in all of his work, Martin-Jenkins’ death comes only several days after former England captain and cricket commentator Tony Greig died aged 66.
