Legendary commentator, household name and the voice of Channel Nine’s cricket coverage for so many years Richie Benaud has revealed he is undergoing radiation therapy to treat skin cancer.
84-year-old Benaud, who has had a light 12 months in the commentary box due to health scares after a car crash in October of last year, is undergoing treatment for cancers on his forehead and the top of his head.
“(I’m) coping with it very well, the doctors are pleased,” he told Nine.
“I’m going along slowly. The cancers need to be treated.”
He did reassure reporters that he was doing his best to remain fit and healthy, despite the challenges of treatment.
“We’re out every morning very early – the sun’s up but only just – and we’re doing a 40 minute walk every morning and that’s showing beneficial effects for me.” Benaud said.
Benaud also gave some sound advice to budding cricketers as well, warning of the dangers of playing without a hat.
“When I was a kid we never ever wore a cap. I wish I had,” Benaud said.
“You live and learn as you go along.
“I recommend to everyone they wear protection on their heads.”
He wasn’t shy about bringing a little bit of lightness into the situation, though.
“Eight-four-year olds don’t seem to mend as well as they used to.”
He is due back to call the Sydney Test in 2015, which will no doubt give a great thrill to all viewers and Richie impersonators in the crowd.
It was even suggested that he call the cricket remotely, from the comfort of his lounge room. It’s fair to say that no one but Richie would be afforded this kind of treatment.
For many Australians, cricket is synonymous with Benaud’s tones and trademark analysis and dry wit.
You will be able to watch the full interview tonight on Channel Nine.
The Roar hopes Richie has a speedy recovery, and wishes him well for the call of the Sydney Test in January of 2015.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
The mammoth rise of Jake Fraser-McGurk - his enormous potential and the destructive shot-making that he possesses makes him a very tempting option.
Marcus Stoinis produced his first IPL century and it was a beauty. He went 6, 4, 4, 4 to finish off the Lucknow Super…
Xavier Bartlett has been permission to extend his cricketing education with a spell of T20s in England, playing in the Blast competition for Kent…
Three-Test spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has signed with Tasmania in a bid for red-ball game time ahead of Australia's tour of Sri Lanka next summer.…
Last week, you read about the Matt XI, a compilation of the best cricketers ever to represent the name Matt. And to be fair,…
The Aussie needed every centimetre of his height and reach to reel that one in!
