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:
Richie Benaud (October 6, 1930 – April 10, 2015)
Ross Fleming
Roar Rookie
The best all-rounder the world has seen, we will miss him
GWS
Guest
Richie Benaud never did TV commentary for the ABC. He worked at the BBC and was not seen on Australian television until the mid 1970s. (I have posted why he never worked for the ABC on David Lord's piece.)
Dog's Breakfast
Guest
Great innings, Richie. Summers will never be the same. RIP
JimmyB
Guest
A very sad day indeed. Legend is an oft overused word which actually doesn't quite do Richie justice. For me growing up in England he simply was THE voice of cricket, he was always highly professional, unscrupulously fair whilst offering a unique insight into the game, he also possessed a bone dry wit. He was loved and respected in the UK just as much as he was in his homeland and I often felt that it was very sad that he hadn't been knighted for his services to cricket and broadcasting. With regards to broadcasting he was peerless and it's interesting to me that he studied at the BBC whilst still playing in 1956. He has been a great miss in the commentary box in the UK in the last 10 years, however I think his absence is even more keenly felt in the Ch9 box. It's obviously not really done any more it seems, but there's a few in the Ch9 box who could do with some broadcasting training because just being a former player or captain doesn't appear to be cutting the mUstard anymore. You will be sadly missed all over the world Sir Richie.
millsy of perth
Guest
A gr8 man his legend will live on
matth
Guest
Well said Brett
matth
Guest
What a sad day. The most influential person in shaping Australia's relationship with cricket, from his attacking attitude as captain to his commentary. Hopefully he'll be up there swapping stories with Keith Miller and Victor Trumper. Deciding whether to arrive at the Pearly Gates in the cream, the bone, the off white, the white, the ivory or the beige. Goodbye Richie.
Targa
Guest
Great man - greatly missed
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Great story. Takes a very humble person to admit they've made a mistake. What a human being!
Gremlins
Guest
Thanks for sharing this. I loved his comment on Glenn McGrath. Pure Ritchie. Vale, Ritchie. Summer will never be the same.
AlanKC
Guest
Thanks for the memories Richie, RIP.
DaniE
Roar Guru
RIP Richie - magnificent innings! Your calm voice soothes my summers and instilled a love of cricket. I'll never forget my awe at seeing you in person at our local fruit and veg shop about 20 years ago, obviously you were shopping to host a post-Christmas gathering as I had never seen a trolley so filled, beyond the brim. Great memories forever.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Ah how very sad. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Richie died an old man, having lived a long and full life spent touching other peoples' lives in a very positive way. His legacy will live on. Farewell, Richie.
The Bush
Roar Guru
A true legend and a sad, sad day for cricket.
Kris Swales
Expert
'Legend' seems inadequate. Part of my life since I was old enough to remember watching cricket in 1983/84, and no doubt well before. We all knew it was coming but it still stings. RIP Richie. You'll always be the captain of the commentary box.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Hail the great man. Cricket will never be the same which says everything about his influence on the game.
Axle an the Guru
Guest
An absolute piece of treasure has left us forever. A very sad sad day for cricket and Australia in general. A huge sad loss. RIP: RICHIE BENAUD :-(
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
RIP you legend. Will always be remember you as the absolute best-of-the-best when it comes to cricket commentary. Fabulous captain also for Australia and you did our great country very, very proud.
BennO
Guest
RIP Ritchie. Cricket was always a better watch when he was in the commentary box.
Midfielder
Guest
Along with Alan McGilvray the two best sports broadcasters I have listen to and loved the way he was unbiased ... he will be missed..