London, Dec 16 (IANS/CMC): Noted West Indies cricket commentator Tony Cozier has been made an honorary life member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) for his contribution to the game for over half a century.

"Knowing the illustrious company I now join, I am truly flattered by the honour cricket's foremost club has bestowed on me," Cozier was quoted as saying in an MCC media release.

"My first Test match at Lord's was the thrilling last-over draw in 1963, after which there was an extended sequence of West Indies successes."

"That ended in 1995 and I now trust that previous service will be resumed on my first Test as an MCC member next May."

In possession of the unmistakable voice of West Indies cricket, Cozier first commentated in the Caribbean in 1965 during the victorious Test series against Australia.

He has covered the game on a variety of platforms including print, radio and television and was the editor of 22 editions of the West Indies Cricket Annual between 1970 and 1991, and wrote the widely acclaimed text "The West Indies: 50 Years of Test Cricket" in 1978.

Cozier joins a select group of former players, umpires, administrators and journalists, who are already life members of the Club, including media colleague Christopher Martin-Jenkins, West Indies great Vivian Richards, and most recently Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Honorary life membership is awarded by the MCC Committee to individuals in recognition of their service to the game, often over a very long period.

There are now more than 320 Honorary Life Members of MCC out of a total full membership of 18,000.