Boycott says he has cancerous growth in neck

English cricket great Geoffrey Boycott, 61, on Wednesday said he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Boycott said that tests on a lump in his neck showed the "existence of cancerous tissue".

The former Yorkshire captain made the announcement to explain why he would not be commentating during the fourth Test between England and India at the Oval starting on Thursday.

"I am sad to be missing the Oval Test and I wished to explain my sudden withdrawal from commentating," he said.

"Further tests will now be taken to determine the extent and possible treatment," he added.

In 108 Test appearances for England, Boycott garnered 8,114 runs. He also hit 151 first class centuries.

Agencies