The Nine Network says cricket fans around the world will be cheering on veteran cricket commentator Tony Greig as he battles lung cancer.

Nine CEO David Gyngell has sent the network's best wishes to Greig, who will undergo surgery this week.

"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," Mr Gyngell said in a statement on Sunday.

"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."

On a more personal level, Mr Gyngell said he had enjoyed a close relationship with Greig for most of his life and that he was "thinking of him and his family and hoping for the best possible outcome".

The former England captain and Nine commentator says doctors discovered a small lesion at the base of his right lung during a series of tests earlier this month.

Greig, 66, has vowed to fight the disease.

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

It's not known at this stage if Greig will commentate for Nine this summer. The first Test against South Africa begins in Brisbane on November 9.