Cricketing icon Tony Greig has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.

The former England captain and Nine Network commentator underwent tests earlier this month after failing to recover from a suspected case of bronchitis.

Doctors discovered a small lesion on the base of his right lung and later revealed he had cancer.

"I have had a few scrapes in my life and this is another one," the South African-born identity told the Sunday Telegraph.

"(My wife) Vivian and I are going to put the boxing gloves on and fight this like we've never fought anything before."

Greig will have surgery this week to take a sample from his lung, which will help doctors determine the extent of the cancer and appropriate course of action.

Nine Entertainment Co CEO David Gyngell said the thoughts from everyone at the network were with Greig.

“Tony Greig is a name synonymous with Australian cricket – from his playing days as the English captain we loved to hate, to his senior role in the revolution of World Series Cricket, his infamous car keys in the pitch reports and more than three decades of colourful and expert commentary,” he said.

“He’s a huge part of the Nine family, and because this is so obviously a very difficult time for Tony, every single one of us is wishing him well.

“Likewise, I’m sure, every cricket fan at the SCG, MCG, the Gabba and stadiums across Australia and the world will be cheering for him through his treatment.

Mr Gyngell said at a personal level he had enjoyed a close relationship with Tony Greig for most of his life.

“He’s been a larger-than-life, generous and inherently decent man, and I am thinking of him and his family and hoping for the best possible outcome.”

Greig is reportedly unsure whether he will commentate for Nine this summer. The first Test against South Africa begins in Brisbane on November 9.