I will forever be in debt to Richie Benaud – legendary cricketer, legendary commentator-writer, an iconic Australian, and one helluva good bloke.
Richie died this morning, aged 84 – none of the salutes to follow will do him justice.
But I’ll try.
Without any pre-knowledge, Richie popped into my life, and on all three occasions, my life changed dramatically for the better.
The first was at Mosman Oval, I had just been appointed Mosman first grade captain, when former Test captain Ian Craig relinquished the honour, but still kept playing.
I was wondering what captaining an Australian Test captain would be like when I saw the next round was against Cumberland, led by the then current Australian Test captain Richie Benaud, who took over from Ian.
In those days Test men regularly played first grade, so it wasn’t unusual.
But it was very unusual for me, heading for the centre to toss with the Australian captain.
To be honest, I don’t remember much about that game, it was such a blur for a 21-year-old rookie captain. But I do recall Richie being very supportive as we walked to the centre, he shook my hand and congratulated me on the captaincy, wished me luck as I tossed which he promptly won, and batted.
We chatted all the way back to the pavilion, as we did after stumps over a beer. He was, as those who had the privilege to know him, just one one helluva good bloke.
The second time was extraordinary.
I had started writing a once a week cricket column called “Straight Hit” as a contributor for The Sun, where Richie was the senior cricket writer.
Suddenly there was an enormous blow-up at Fairfax, where journos were dropped a grade so Fairfax wouldn’t have to pay the award increases.
Richie told The Sun to shove it, and went down the road that day to the opposition Daily Mirror. Needless to say the DM greeted Richie with open arms.
That was roughly 50 years ago.
So The Sun was a cricket writer short, and that’s how I started with Norman Tasker at Broadway, covering both the cricket and rugby.
And from that point on I saw a lot of Richie Benaud.
The third time was very left field.
I had met Helen Ives, the wife of American singer Burl Ives – Helen was the owner of the Australian franchise for This Is Your Life.
She asked me to do the research and write the script for Richie’s This Is Your Life.
For those who don’t remember the show, the whole secret of its success was it’s secrecy.
So I rang Daphne, Richie’s wife, and told her of the plan, and she was terrific in its implementation over a period of about two months.
The ‘trap’ was a Friday night taped interview I would do with Richie at Channel 7 to be aired on the Rex Mossop “Sportsaction” show on Sunday morning.
The interview was a ‘preview’ of the West indian tour of Australia.
I did the intro, introduced Richie, and around the corner came Mike Willesee, the host.
“As you know David, this is no West Indian preview, Richie Benaud, this is your life.”
Richie froze, and went to leave, but I gently placed my left shoe over his right, and said “sit back and enjoy it Rich, I wouldn’t do anything to embarrass you.”
Richie gave me a relieved smile, and thoroughly enjoyed the next hour or so of the show being taped for Sunday night.
So when I heard the terrible news Richie had died this morning, the memories came flooding back.
But it took some time to stop the tears and try to do the great man credit for all he has done for me and the countless numbers like me.
They can tell their stories, and make their own salutes.
To the ever gracious Daphne, Richie’s younger brother John, and Richie’s two sons, The Roar‘s deepest sympathy.
What a damn shame Richie Benaud wasn’t knighted while he was alive, instead of knighting the Duke of Edinburgh.
JGK
Roar Guru
Are you serious Peter?
JGK
Roar Guru
Terrific stories David. Thank you for sharing them.
jonesy
Guest
100% agree with DL. The 1st recipient of this award should always have been an Australian and Richie Benaud would have made a fine 1st pick.
jonesy
Guest
That whole Knighthood thing looks even worse now. How did Abbott overlook Richie Benaud? Just embarrassing.
Ross Fleming
Roar Rookie
I can't think of a better player other then Bradman, we will miss him
Richard
Guest
Goodness, a wonderful man has gone. Commiserations from NZ. Not only has Australia had the proudest record in cricket, but Richie was indeed the most insightful and balanced commentator - most of all the most addictive. Sad sad sad. Good night cousins. I am about to go and youtube some Richie stuff.
Bondy
Nice tribute Lord'y Rich grew up and around an era of Gentleman ...
GWS
Guest
Frank Tyson also lasted one season on Channel 9 as a commentator after the reconciliation between WSC and the ACB.
GWS
Guest
Will be interesting to see how Tony Abbott milks this one.
Pope Paul vii
Guest
I wasn't aware of this story but my recollection of Typhoon Tyson as a commentator was that he was quite dashing himself and well spoken, not unlike our Rich.
Glenz
Guest
Thanks. Chronology doesn't really come into it, but thanks anyway.
GWS
Guest
Yes. A global commentator. That what not always the case though. He worked for the BBC before he broadcast cricket in Australia. It says a lot of how Australian values have changed. He tried to join the ABC cricket team in the early 1970s but was considered "too flamboyant" for the ABC at that time. Instead their chief expert commentator at that time was Frank Tyson, former England fast bowler and Private School teacher/ master. One reason Richie was attracted to Kerry Packer and World Series Cricket was the chance to break into Australian television cricket broadcasting.
Glenz
Guest
A wonderful tribute. Mr Benaud was often called the voice of Australian cricket. I think he was actually the voice of world cricket. Here in New Zealand, no other cricket broadcaster has been as imitated, as quoted and as respected, and I suspect that is the case everywhere.
Internal Fixation
Guest
Well here is the first time I have ever been compelled to respond to criticism of a David Lord article. "a gratuitous attack on our Prime Minister" David Lord is reflecting the sentiment of the majority of Australians. He is reflecting the dramatic drop in support for the Liberal party and Tony Abbott after this "Captains Pick". The PM is, by all accounts, very lucky to have survived the leadership spill and still has substantial work to do to win back his backbenchers trust. This "attack" is not gratuitous when it is completely deserved. My bet is that if the PM has his time again he would have picked Richie. Are you sure you are really Peter B and not Peta C? BTW great tribute Mr Lord
Sideline Comm.
Guest
And me: well done Lordy. I am sorry that you seem to writing more and more of these as the years roll on.
Peter B
Guest
A good read, until the gratuitous attack on our Prime Minister.
Johnno
Guest
Just as Gordon Bray was the Colin Meads of rugby commentary, Frankie.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Cheers johnno. I actually think that many non cricket fans got their cricket education through Richie Benaud's commentary. I knew him before I had heard the name Don Bradman.
Frank O'Keeffe
Guest
Oh no! This is such sad news! He was by far the greatest of all cricket commentators. The Bradman of Cricket Commentary.
Another Pom in Oz
Guest
A lovely eulogy, Lordy.