McGilvray began as a player of note, captaining the New South Wales state side in the mid-thirties before embarking on his media career. ''With his own style of commentary, he became a legend to generations of this nation's cricket lovers over a period of half a century,'' Australian Prime Minister John Howard said in Melbourne.

Sir Donald Bradman, who recalled his own encounters with McGilvray during the latter's playing career, said: ''Alan was a highly respected commentator who brought a new dimension to the broadcasting of cricket and did so with distinction over many decades.''

McGilvray joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, after retiring as a player in 1936-37.

In 1938, during Australia's tour to England, McGilvray sat in a studio in Sydney, relying on sound effects and information sent by frequent telegram from London to keep the listener's abreast of the progress of the matches.

During his career. McGilvray has covered over 100 EnglandAustralia encounters alone, besides Australia's games against other Test-playing nations.

In 1974, McGilvray was awarded an MBE for his services to broadcasting. The ace commentator retired in 1985, saying that he was getting increastingly disenchanted with the increase of professionalism and the corresponding erosion of the principles of fair play.