One of the most celebrated Australian cricketers, who would become one of the most distinctive voices in the commentary box, Richie Benaud, has passed away at the age of 84.
Born on October 6, 1930 in Penrith, New South Wales, Benaud would go on to play 63 Tests for Australia, making his debut against the West Indies in Sydney in 1952.
His career matured gradually for the first six years at Test level before he was named captain in 1958, leading his country against England.
The gifted right-hander would go on to record a remarkable record as Test captain, never suffering a series defeat while at the helm.
Benaud’s Test career would end where it began, at the SCG against South Africa in 1964.
The iconic voice of Benaud was sorely missed in the commentary box throughout the most recent Australia summer, after it was revealed he was undergoing radiation therapy to treat skin cancer.
Plans were laid for Benaud to make an appearance as a commentator during the SCG test against India in January, however the return was scrapped due to his poor health.
His wife Daphne and members of his family are believe to have been at his bedside.
In the wake of the news of his passing breaking, the tributes were flowing fast on social media:
RIP Richie. True broadcasting master craftsman & above all a gentleman and friend. A wry sense of humour. Always there for advice. #Richie
— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn) April 9, 2015
‘The pioneer & the master tactician’. Richie Benaud was much more than a cricket commentator http://t.co/6iw3xDiwts pic.twitter.com/XMZNAWgTUB
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 9, 2015
Wrote to Richie Benaud when I was 16 about bowling leggies. His detailed reply says everything about the great man pic.twitter.com/efQWer15oN
— Jonathan Stevenson (@Stevo_football) April 9, 2015
Very sad to hear the news today of the passing of Richie Benaud. What a legend of a cricketer and broadcaster for @Channel9 @WWOS9 #bestever
— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) April 9, 2015
RIP Richie Benaud. The greatest cricket commentator of them all & a wonderful man. #MourningEveryone
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 9, 2015
Richie Benaud (October 6, 1930 – April 10, 2015)