The voice of Australian cricket commentary, Richie Benaud aged 84, has quietly passed away in a Sydney hospice. He had been undergoing radiation treatment for skin cancer since last November. In the days when a test cricket career was a long drawn out affair, he managed to squeeze in 63 tests. He was the first player the history to make 2000 runs and 200 wickets and in the process, as a captain, never lost a series. He went on to have an illustrious 35 year career behind the microphone. He will be missed.
Bit of a gent, old Richie. Not old enough to remember his playing days but always enjoyed his commentary. RIP mate.
R.I.P. Richie, a superb cricketer, commentator, and a great Australian. Jonathan Agnew's fine tribute to him says it all: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/cricket/32189688
Very saddened to read this, listening to his commentary was part of growing up for me. As Richie himself would have said: "Good effort that, I thought." RIP
Had I posted this earlier, I would have started with the words “Morning Everyone”. It would certainly be fitting if Australia did honour the double cricket legend Richie Benaud with a State Funeral as he epitomised all that is good about Australians, even for those Poms that had cause to bemoan his victories in the Ashes in a career as a cricketer that saw him never lose a Series as captain of his nation. After putting down the bat and ball, his career as a journalist and commentator in the sport kept him in the public eye for nearly fifty years, a voice of cricket that was recognised even by those who did not follow the game. Reading the tributes from cricket colleagues and opponents; and from dignitaries outside the game, it is clear that Richie was a real gentleman of the old school type, a legend on the field of play, a legend with the commentator’s microphone and a true icon for Australia.
Exactly the same sentiments myself Oddy. Yet another one of the old guard who ignited my obsession for watching sport as a nipper. Thanks for the memories Richie
A gentleman and an icon. What a marvellous tact for speaking he had. If he spoke, you listened. He never said much, but what he did say was always worthwhile.Like a wise old man. He was just a joy to listen to growing up- R.I.P Richie.
Richie and Keith "Nugget" Miller chatting about Don Bradman. Richie. "I once said to Keith Miller how disappointed I was to have made my debut in the same year as Bradman retired. How wonderful it would have been to have watched him play at the SCG in 1940 and then to bowl at him on the same ground. Nugget remarked drily that everyone has one lucky break and that may well have been mine."
Did you listen to much of the 12th Man Cyc - he had Richie's voice down to an absolute tee. I don't know what Richie himself thought of the act, but I think he is absolutely brilliant. I remember one sketch where they have Richie reporting live from Bombay on the India v Australia test: "Typical ****ing stinking hot day here in Bombay" ................. brilliant. Another favourite is when they have the competition and first prize is "the magnificent Holden Stationwagon"
It seems that Richie and Billy Birmingham knew each other quite well. At the beginning of our Summer Richie and Billy made an ad. The comedian felt really sad at how the great man was suffering due to the radiation treatment. He posted a note he received from Richie when his album went gold. Dear Billy, Thanks for the LP, tape and CD of the '12th Man Again'. The usual critique follows, the fee for which will be $A87,000. There are some wonderfully funny and brilliant sequences again and the production is excellent. Demerit marks: too much swearing just for the sake of swearing. In this, I'm right on the side of your daughter with her published remark about Daddy using the F-word ... and possibly your mum as well! Some of the voices don't seem quite right, particularly Chappelli's again. It seems I have a voice that is easy to copy. But in general terms, other than Greigy, they don't seem quite as spot on this time. I see you've hit Number 1 again. Perhaps I should reconsider my retirement! In a word, as the tautology kings would say, wonderfully amusing. Cheers and salaams, "richie."
If you are in a part of the world where you are able to download podcasts, go to the BBC Radio 5 Live podcast site for “Sportsweek” and listen to the second half hour of the show, which featured talk show king Sir Michael Parkinson and Australian cricketer Ian Chappell looking back on Richie Benaud’s lifetime.
Great quote of his in the Telegraph yesterday "the Titanic was a tragedy, the Ethiopian famine was a disaster and neither have any relation whatsoever to a dropped catch". If only other commentators could remember that maxim.
