Extremely sad news coming from Sydney today, with word emerging that Australian broadcasting icon, former national test cricket captain Richie Benaud has passed away following a battle with skin cancer. He was 84.
Benaud, inarguably, was the voice of Australian cricket in a tenured commentary and journalism career that spanned nearly 50 years.
Benaud’s playing career was as distinguished as his own impeccable sense of personal style, playing in 63 tests, and becoming the first player in the history of the game to score 2000 runs and take 200 wickets. As captain of Australia, Benaud never lost a series.
After Channel 9 in the mid 1960s, Benaud became a cornerstone of cricket broadcasting, particularly in the tumultuous years of World Series Cricket and beyond. Benaud’s smooth voice, calm demeanour and idiosyncratic vocal delivery made him an iconic figure in world cricket, perhaps second only to Sir Donald Bradman in regards to his popularity, his presence, and his impact on the game both at home and abroad.
Though in recent years his broadcasting work has slowed due to ill health, his association and presence on Channel 9’s broadcasts were still felt. Whether that be calling the occasional session from the comfort of his own lounge, providing a touching and extremely moving voiceover for the tribute video for the late Phillip Hughes, or simply giving us all a quick update on how he was doing. Richie, as always, was there.
Richie Benaud was – is – cricket. None in the history of the game have ever been able to capture its noble nature with the verve and candour that he had. And all the while impeccably dressed in the cream, the bone, the white, the off-white, the ivory, or the beige.
Often imitated, but never duplicated. Richard Benaud.
Rest in peace, old friend.
Photo: Ryan Pierse via Getty Images.
