He helped the Australian team have the attitude where they wanted to win. In 1960, he made his first radio commentary in the United Kingdom at the BBC, after which he moved into television. Cricket great Richie Benaud dies at 84 In October 2013, Benaud, then 83, was involved in a car crash and did not recover sufficiently to broadcast the Ashes series and in November 2014, he announced he was been treated for skin cancers. After scoring 44 and taking 2/66 in the opening first-class match against Worcestershire, the all-rounder starred in his next match, against Yorkshire. Regular boundaries and quickly-run singles took the score to 226, a seventh-wicket partnership of 134. "Richie was not just a great cricket commentator, he was one of the finest sports commentators of his generation," said Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport. John, who played in three Tests, was 13 years younger. Marcia Benaud, who always refers to her only husband as 'Rich' rather than 'Richie', spoke about the fantastic life she had with Benaud, the young Test cricketing star she had been married to in the 1950s and 60s, and their two sons she had sometimes struggled to raise in the years since. [105] It was also emulated by New Zealand broadcaster John Campbell. There would be very few Australians who have not passed a summer in the company of Richie Benaud. This memorial website was created in memory of Richie Benaud, 84, born on October 6, 1930 and passed away on April 10, 2015. But Richie asked the pretty young woman out, and when he moved on to a job as a clerk at The Sun newspaper their relationship grew. On March 29, 1967 Marcia divorced Richie Benaud on the grounds of desertion. Three of the Tests were drawn, Australias Bill Lawry, Bob Simpson and Ken Mackay scoring at a snails pace (matched by Geoff Pullar, Ken Barrington and Cowdrey for England). [7], On arrival in the British Isles, Benaud quickly made an impression with both bat and ball. Richard Benaud OBE ( / bno /; 6 October 1930 - 10 April 2015) was an Australian cricketer who played for New South Wales and the Australia national cricket team. [29][36] The first two seasons of the Benaud captaincy had been a resounding success, with Australia winning eight, drawing four and losing only one Test. Some famous Benaud phrases and one-liners: "It's gone straight into the confectionary stall and out again"", "And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just ninety-eight runs short of his century", Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said Benaud was "the iconic voice of our summer", while the Australian government has. No comments have so far been submitted. [93] Benaud was regarded as one of the finest close-fielders of his era, either at gully or in a silly position. 'I kept on seeing Dad throughout my life - occasionally,' confirmed Greg Benaud. Link to video: Richie Benaud became a household name for a whole new generation when he moved from the oval to the commentary box. The unprecedented public interest saw the Caribbean touring party farewelled with a ticker-tape parade by the Australian public. It was here that Richie Benaud grew up, learning how to bowl leg breaks, googlies and topspinners under his father's watch. [91] In 196768 he captained a Commonwealth team against Pakistan, playing in his last five first-class fixtures. and "That's stumps and time for a glass of something chilled". 'It's obviously been a bit of a strain over the years with Mum and Dad, but Daphne was very kind. Vale Richie: Greg Benaud, 60, and his younger brother, Jeffrey, were very happy to be invited by Richie's second wife Daphne to attend the private funeral in April, for which Greg quipped he would have haircut, a shave and don a suit to farewell his Dad, 'I want to respect Jeff's privacy,' he said. Here is all you want to know, and more! The young leg spinner claimed Hassett in the second innings when a ball landed in a crack and skidded through onto his foot. Having helped Australia win the 1955 series in the West Indies (Benauds century in Jamaica, one of five in an innings of 758 for 8 still Australias highest total in Tests came in a mere 78 minutes), after four years and 27 Test matches it was felt at last that he truly belonged in the side. [87], Upon his return, Benaud advised the Australian Cricket Board that it would be in the better interests of the team if Simpson continued as captain for the remainder of the season. Elder son: Greg Benaud, 60, (pictured) at the public housing cottage he shares with his mother Marcia, who married Richie Benaud in 1953 and had two sons who would only see their famous father occasionally after their parents divorced, Glamorous: Marcia Benaud, in January 1953, following her marriage to Richie, after which the newlyweds went to the Adelaide Oval where the new Mrs Benaud is pictured, above, watching her husband play a Test against South Africa, Sons of the father: Richie Benaud pictured at the beach with his two sons, Jeffrey (left) and Greg (right) in the happier days of his marriage to first wife Marcia, when he was playing Test cricket for Australia, Young beauty: Marcia Lavender was a shorthand typist when she met cricketer Richie Benaud at a Sydney city accounting firm in the early 1950s and he went on to begin his Test career. Recruited by Australian media tycoon Kerry Packer in the 1970s, Benaud would become a driving force behind World Series Cricket, his voice lending respectability to the breakaway professional circuit that would ultimately change the game. [6][46] Benaud had little prior leadership experience, and faced the task of recovering the Ashes from an England team which had arrived in Australia as favourites. [7], For the next season, England toured Australia, and with the Test players back, Benaud was initially forced out of the team. Benaud struck exactly 100 in the first innings, before taking 4/70 in South Africa's reply. Former Australia captain and legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud has died at the age of 84. Shane Warne, Australia's record wicket-taker, made a particularly heartfelt contribution.external-link, "Dear Richie, you were a legend on all levels and rightly so too," said Warne. Menu! Richard (Richie) Benaud, cricketer and commentator, died on April 10th, aged 84. Five days later, he fronted Wesley Methodist Church in Strathfield, Sydney, still bearing the stitched wound. With Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller and Ernie Toshack, three of Australia's leading four bowlers from the 1948 Invincibles tour of England unavailable, Benaud bowled heavily in some matches. [12] Hassett struck 179 in four hours, and took 47 runs from Benaud's seven overs. He ended the series with 200 runs at 25 and eight wickets at 42.5. [19] It was thought that the surface at the Oval would favour pacemen, but Australia's selection proved to be a blunder[21] as England's spinners[22] took them to the only win of the series, allowing them to regain the Ashes. Despite this, Benaud told chairman of selectors Don Bradman that he would still be going for an improbable victory in accordance with his policy of aggression. They brought back all the old memories, sad ones. AAP/Dean Lewins. [1], Gideon Haigh described him as "perhaps the most influential cricketer and cricket personality since the Second World War. This was enough for him to gain selection for the start of the Tests. 'It's 39 years since I spoke to or saw him, except on TV,' she said. [120][121][122], Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered his family a state funeral; however, his widow, Daphne, declined, respecting his wishes for a private funeral. Benaud was cementing his position and was in the senior team for four consecutive matches even with the Test players available. [8] He contributed significantly with both bat and ball in New South Wales' Sheffield Shield triumph, the first of nine consecutive titles. [55] Benaud had less of an impact on the next two Tests, which Australia lost and drew, totaling 6/244. [99], He openly criticised the actions by the Chappell brothers (Trevor and Greg) in the post-match reaction to the underarm bowling incident of 1981, proving his moral integrity far outweighed his unconditional patriotism for Australia. Birth date: 6 October, 1930, Monday. This put him in a small group of spinners whose career averages were inferior to their performances against India, generally regarded as the best players of spin in the world. Although the shoulder injury had affected him, Benaud did produce a memorable piece of bowling in the New South Wales match against England, taking 7 for 18, his best figures in first-class cricket. He defined an era with conviction and sincerity.". Now Richie Benaud's first wife Marcia, who lives with one of Richie's estranged sons in a housing commission cottage, is about to have that once private life become very public. He finished the first-class tour with 627 runs and 61 wickets at 23.54. Last updated on 10 April 201510 April 2015.From the section Cricket. A strong England party, led by Peter May, were widely expected to retain the Ashes. [20] Benaud struck an unbeaten 100 and totalled 1/64 in the next match against Western Australia before the Australians departed for England. It was another lean series with the ball, Benaud's 17 wickets costing 40.47, the third consecutive series where his wickets cost more than 30. Jeffrey Benaud is not involved in the court action Marcia and Greg Benaud have taken against Daphne Benaud in the Supreme Court. Richie Benaud died on April 10, 2015, after being diagnosed with skin cancer. Marcia gave birth to their first son Greg in 1955, and Jeffery in 1958. [4] He was appointed an OBE in that year and in 1962 was named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year. [7] As a batsman, he was tall and lithe, known for his hitting power, in particular his lofted driving ability from the front foot. By that summers end, with the beaten but popular West Indies having had a tickertape motorcade send-off in Melbourne, Richie Benauds own popularity was sealed. Greg said he did not wish to discuss his brother Jeff, who is married with no children and is believed to have worked in marketing. [110], On 18 February 2009, during a radio interview, Benaud announced that he would be retiring from television commentary. [28] Benaud had contributed 246 runs at 41 and taken wickets steadily to total 18 at 26.94. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. [7] Benaud was the only bowler selected for all five Tests of the 195455 series when England visited Australia. [7] However, this was not enough to ensure his selection in the First Test, where he was made 12th man. [44] He took 5/82 in the second innings of the Fifth Test, the fourth consecutive match in which he had taken five wickets in an innings, as Australia took a 30 series win. [35] He took 6/52 and 5/53, his best-ever match analysis, ending the series with 113 runs at 18.83 and 24 wickets at 17.66. Its one of those things in life: you live and learn as you go along.. [27] In the Fifth Test at Kingston, he struck a century in 78 minutes, despite taking 15 minutes to score his first run. But he chose to study architecture over cricket, although not finishing his degree, Marcia Benaud (pictured in the garden of her Central Coast home) said following the end of her marriage to Richie Benaud, the cricketing great preferred to keep his past quiet and contact with their famous Dad became less frequent as they got older, Richie and Marcia Benaud pictured with their two sons, Jeffrey (left) and Greg (centre) in the early 1960s during the early days of his Test career at a time when cricketers earned little reward and Benaud had do advertisements to pay for keeping a family. Legendary Australian cricket commentator Richie Benaud has died. Australia's chances of winning looked remote when they reached tea at 6/109 with 124 runs still required with only the tailenders to follow. [7][14] Benaud ended his season with 97 and a total of 3/39 in an innings win over South Australia.[7]. Benaud returned and scored 37 and took a total of 2/68 in the final match, ending the season with 184 runs at 36.80 and 11 wickets at 34.63. His father Louis, a third-generation Australian of French Huguenot descent,[4] was a leg spinner who played for Penrith District Cricket Club in Sydney Grade Cricket, gaining attention for taking all twenty wickets in a match against St. Marys for 65. [7], After returning home from his first overseas tour, Benaud was prolific during the 195354 Australian season, which was purely domestic with no touring Test team. [18][19] In another match for New South Wales against the touring team, he took a total of 5/95. His leg spin yielded ten wickets at 30.60, with a best of 4/118 in the Fourth Test in Adelaide when he was given a heavy workload, totalling 58 overs,[7] when Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller broke down during the match. Ritchie Benaud pictured in 2004, when he was commentating for Channel 4. He was the accompaniment of an Australian summer, his voice was even more present than the chirping of the cicadas in our suburbs and towns, and that voice, tragically, is now still. He finished the innings with 6/70. "[2] In his review of Benaud's autobiography Anything But, Sri Lankan cricket writer Harold de Andrado wrote: "Richie Benaud possibly next to Sir Don Bradman has been one of the greatest cricketing personalities as player, researcher, writer, critic, author, organiser, adviser and student of the game."[3]. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, Reaction to the death of former Australian cricket captain and commentator Richie Benaud, known as the 'Voice of Cricket'. In all he missed a third of the matches due to injury. The Cricket Player, Journalist Richie Benaud passed away at the age of 92. [118], In November 2014, at age 84, Benaud announced that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. According to Eryk Bagshaw of The Sydney Morning Herald, Benaud had been in hospice care while. Biography - A Short Wiki It was presented to his wife. [25] After a draw in the Second Test,[26] he took three wickets in four balls to end with 4/15 in the first innings at Georgetown, Guyana, before scoring 68 (his first Test half century) as Australia moved to a 20 series lead. Wonderful cricketer, great captain, a master craftsman commentator and top man. "As a cricketer, commentator and as a person, you were the best there's ever been and, to top it off, an absolute gentleman. They were different times and it was the right thing to do for them.'. Richie Benaud, 1959. He scored 47 not out and took 3/37 in an innings win over Queensland. [33] After taking four wickets in the drawn Second Test in Bombay,[34], Benaud bowled Australia to victory in the Third Test in Calcutta, sealing the series 20. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Mom who lost both sons to fentanyl blasts laughing Biden, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' RIP Richie Benaud. It came from Jeff and I'm glad he told me because I didn't know why.'. The tour included seven first-class matches, three of which were unofficial Tests. At the time, Ms Benaud said she was upset she hadn't been invited to her former husband's funeral. His performances in South Africa in 1957-58 reinforced that belief. Benaud's 5/13 in 25 balls instigated an English collapse which saw Australia retain the Ashes. It was screened before Australias Test series against India last December. The next season saw the last of Benaud on the field of play, apart from some later charity matches and light-hearted private tours. ", Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkaraexternal-link added: "So sad to hear about the passing of Richie Benaud. The first Test of the season, against the touring South Africans, saw high drama as Australia's left arm paceman Ian Meckiff was called for throwing by Colin Egar and removed from the attack by Benaud after one over. He led his country in 28 Tests and never lost a series as Australian captain. Marcia Benaud kept her surname 'for the sake of my sons. He was with us as a player, journalist . [126], In 2007, he was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at the Allan Border Medal award evening and in 2009 he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Over the first years of their marriage, Benaud would tour overseas with the Australian cricket team to the West Indies, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa. Richie Benaud dies aged 84 - rolling reaction The former Australia cricket captain and commentator, who played 63 Test matches, has died at the age of 84 Updated 9 Apr 2015 9 Apr 2015 Flags. Marcia had thought Richie's hanging up of the bat would bring him home. In the previous seasons when he and his team were at their peak, he had scored 636 runs at 31.8 with taken 108 wickets at 20.27 in eighteen Tests, averaging six wickets a match. [100] He vacated the commentary booth when New Zealand was about to clinch a test victory at Lord's in 1999, allowing former New Zealand captain-turned-commentator Ian Smith to call the famous victory of his compatriots. In November, he revealed he was being treated for skin cancer. I used to go to matches and even went on the Hill in Sydney when he was batting with Norm O'Neill.'. Marcia Benaud told Daily Mail Australia about her mixed emotions in the days after Richie Benaud's death on April 10 this year. Australian Test captain Michael Clarke said Benaud was a gentleman who played cricket in the right spirit. Richie Benaud death. After such an impressive playing career, he became even better known as a prolific author, columnist and commentator on cricket. He was 84. Source: Cricinfo, 22 December 2007. 1930 - 2015. [29], At the start of the 196364 season, Benaud announced that it would be his last at first-class level. R ichie Benaud, Australia's legendary cricket captain and commentator, died in Sydney on Friday, his family said. Selected as a batsman who could bowl, he had totalled 309 runs at 15.45 without passing 50, and taken 23 wickets at 37.87 with only two four-wicket innings hauls. Benaud was recalled to the New South Wales First XI in late December for the Christmas and New Year's fixtures. Richie Benaud was a pioneering leg-spin bowler In the memorial booklet, Benaud's family described him as "a special person who means so much to each of us in many different ways". He made 140, in a seventh-wicket partnership of 255 in just 176 minutes, an Australian record that still stands. [8], Relegated to the Second XI after this match, he was struck in the head above the right eye by a ball from Jack Daniel while batting against Victoria in Melbourne, having missed an attempted hook. Only seven runs were required with four wickets in hand as time was running short. For the following Australian season in 195253, Benaud started modestly; and, in the five first-class matches before the Tests, he scored 208 runs at 26.00, including a 63 and 69, and 14 wickets at 38.64. His voice was even more present than the chirping of the cicadas in our suburbs and towns and that voice, tragically, is now still., British prime minister David Cameron said: I grew up listening to Richie Benauds wonderful cricket commentary. Slow recovery meant he was unable to commentate for Australia's Channel Nine during the 201314 Ashes series. Benaud, whose witty one-liners from the commentary box resonated far beyond. She said that after their split, Richie Benaud had preferred to keep his past quiet and that she was not encouraged to call 'Coogee', the name she used to refer to Richie and Daphne Benaud when they were in Sydney at their apartment. from around the world following the news of Benaud's death. CNN Former Australia cricket captain and legendary broadcaster Richie Benaud has died at the age of 84. We'd have baked dinners on a Sunday at their houses.'. His final commentary in England came during the 2005 Ashes series, but he continued to work for Channel Nine in Australia until 2013. He sustained a cracked sternum and shoulder injuries. Richie (Richard) Benaud, cricketer, journalist and broadcaster, born 6 October 1930; died 10 April 2015, When Richie Benaud made a teenage cricket fans day | Letters, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Richie Benaud, at the Montcalm Hotel, London in 2005, Richie Benaud remembered in private ceremony for friends and family, Richie Benaud, former Australia cricket captain, dies at 84, Richie Benaud dies aged 84 rolling reaction, Richie Benaud: archive match reports of his playing career, Richie Benaud: a personal reflection on a colossus of cricket, Cricket legend Richie Benaud his life in pictures, Richard Cooke pays tribute to crickets permanent witness, Rolling blog: how the world reacted to Benauds death, Gallery: Richie Benaud his life in pictures, From the archive The Joy of Six: Richie Benaud. "[39], After a break in the international calendar of a year, the 195758 tour to South Africa heralded the start of a phase of three international seasons when Benaud was at his peak. I've had enough of life': Grandmother, 86, is reduced to tears after killjoy Tory RICHARD LITTLEJOHN: As Florida governor and Donald Trump rival Ron DeSantis steps up his bid to win the Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers speaks out on his deep depression after chemotherapy which left him having 'How I snatched JK Rowling's baby out of her abusive husband's arms - and helped her flee with the Harry Top equestrian rider, 39, once known as the 'golden girl' of horse eventing, is facing jail after being A possum feared extinct is discovered by an amateur naturalist in Papua New Guinea being cooked on a Now California reparations panel RAISES amount it wants to give 1.8m black people from $220,000 to $360,000 My weekly horoscope: What will March 4th 2023 bring for MY star sign? She rushed to St Vincent's Hospital where he was having his mouth stitched. 'When I heard that it was serious and Greg told me he had got [the cancer] in its bloodstream, I accepted that whatever God decided to do would be right,' she said. [109] Chris Barrie of Red Dwarf fame incorporated impressions of Benaud into his stand-up repertoire. [7][11] He then finished the summer strongly, and ended the season with 811 runs at 62.38 and 35 wickets at 30.54. SURPRISINGLY, there is a French Cricket Association. BBC Radio 5 live pays tribute to Richie Benaud. [77], 196263 saw an English team under Dexter visit Australia. [4] Educated at Parramatta High School, Benaud made his first grade debut for Cumberland at age 16, primarily as a batsman. [104], He also helped to design a computer-based parody of himself available for download off Channel 4's website called "Desktop Richie". "Meeting Ivan James was a remarkable piece of luck," he wrote later; "walking into that chemist's shop in Timaru saved my bowling career. There would be very few Australians who have not passed a summer in the company of Richie Benaud. 'Daphne has been kind and fair over the years to me and has welcomed me, even when it was undeserved on my part,' Greg said. [4] Benaud took 5/72 and scored 43 in the First Test,[86] but then injured himself in a grade match, so Bob Simpson captained the team for the Second Test and won the match in Benaud's absence. 'But it suited [Richie] to keep it quiet, and so that's how it was kept.'. [6], In November 1948, at the age of 18, Benaud was selected for the New South Wales Colts, the state youth team. [72], During England's chase on the final afternoon it became apparent that, with Ted Dexter scoring quickly, Australia would lose the Test unless England were bowled out. Three years later, against the West Indies at Sydney, he first played for Australia. In the next four matches, Benaud passed 15 only once, scoring a 34, and took only seven wickets. The decisive victory came in the fourth Test, at Old Trafford, when Benauds 6 for 70 and an unlikely Australian 54-run victory shamed England, who fell from 150 for one to 201 all out. 'It was very, very difficult.'. Marcia Benaud, a gracious lady with a merry laugh and good sense of humour (pictured with son Greg, 60, at their Central Coast home) spoke with affection and sadness about her marriage to cricketing legend Richie, Greg Benaud (pictured), the elder son of cricketing legend Richie, was an off-break and then leg-spin bowler encouraged by his Dad. Greg said that instead of cricket he chose to study architecture after leaving school in 1972, but never finished his degree 'for various reasons I can't talk about' said he had 'worked at various things, any job'. Benaud went on to dismiss tail-ender Alf Valentine for his first Test wicket, conceding 14 runs from 4.3 overs. Along with the West Indian captain Frank Worrell, Benaud's bold leadership enlivened interest in Test cricket among a public who had increasingly regarded it as boring. [89][90] His batting had been steady though with 231 runs at 33,[29] but his bowling was less so, taking 12 wickets at 37.42. 6 October 1930 City of Penrith: Date of death: 10 April 2015 Sydney: Manner of death: natural causes; Cause of death: cancer; Country of citizenship: Australia; Country for sport: Australia; Educated at: Parramatta High School; Occupation: cricketer; journalist; A veteran of 63 Test matches, Benaud played a pivotal role in the formation of World Series Cricket in the 1970s and was one of the worlds most recognised commentators. Now an 85-year-old pensioner, Marcia Benaud hadn't seen Richie Benaud since the 1970s when he was contesting the maintenance paid to support her and their sons. Sprawling home where JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered in 1996 is listed for sale for $7 MILLION by current Royal Mail increase price of first class stamp by 15p to 1.10 in record-breaking hike. He was buried on April 15 in a private funeral ceremony attended only by immediate family members. Wedding bells: Pretty young typist Marcia Lavender pictured after marrying Richie Benaud in January 1953, days after Benaud had been hit in the mouth during a Test match against South Africa and had trouble kissing the bride because of the stitches in his lip, Second love: Following Richie Benaud's divorce from first wife Marcia in March 1976, he married English secretary Daphne Surfleet in July (pictured on their wedding day) and there began a romance and partnership which ended only with his death in April from cancer, Daphne and Richie Benaud (pictured in 2005) travelled the world with his international cricket commentating career, and thought he saw his sons infrequently, his eldest Greg, said Daphne and been 'kind and fair over the years'.