Cricket Legend Richie Benaud dies aged 84
Former Australian Cricket captain, influential cricketer, Journalist broadcaster and commentator, Richard (Richie) Benaud, known as the ‘voice of cricket’ to fans around the world, born 6th October 1930, has died aged 84 in his sleep, on Friday 10th April 2015, after a battle with skin cancer and also suffered serious injury in a car accident in 2013. He was the inventor of celebratory hugs after taking wickets.
A veteran of 63 test matches, Penrith born leg spinner, and middle order batsman enjoyed a successful career, led his country for 28 test and never lost a match under his captaincy, He also was the first player to score 2000 test runs and take 200 test wickets. Benaud took 248 Test wickets at an average of 27.03 and had a highest score of 122 in a remarkable career that saw him take five wickets 16 times and also played a crucial role in the formation of Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket that revolutionised the professional game in the 1970s and went on to anchor Channel Nine cricket coverage for decades. ‘He loved winning. He helped the Australian team have the attitude where they wanted to win. He played the game the right way.’
About cricket Television commentary Benaud said “ Put your brain into gear and if you can add to what’s on the screen then do it, or shut up”.
‘A sad day for Australia,’ tweeted Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
‘We have lost a cricketing champion and Australian icon. What an innings. RIP Richie Benaud.’
‘My vintage, we grew up with that voice,’ said current Australian captain Michael Clarke.
‘If cricket had ever anointed a pope it would be Richie Benaud,’ said Jim Maxwell, one of Australia’s leading commentators.
Sachin Tendulkar, twitted: ” Wonderful personality who was always warm and encouraging. Had great insights on the game.”
British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: ” i grew up listening to Richie Benaud’s wonderful cricket commentary. Like all fans of the sport, I will miss him very much”.
“Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. May all you balls be yorkers” Richie Benaud
