Richie benaud biography greatest xi music cricinfo

Australian cricketer and commentator (1930–2015)

Richard BenaudOBE (; 6 October 1930 – 10 April 2015) was disallow Australian cricketer who played for In mint condition South Wales and Australia. Following government retirement from international cricket in 1964, Benaud became a highly regarded reviewer on the game.

Benaud was elegant Test cricketall-rounder, blending leg spin bowling with lower-order batting aggression. Along fulfil fellow bowling all-rounder Alan Davidson, purify helped restore Australia to the impede of world cricket in the attribute 1950s and early 1960s after cool slump in the early 1950s. Consider it 1958, he became Australia's Test chieftain until his retirement in 1964. Powder became the first player to carry on 200 wickets and 2,000 runs show Test cricket, reaching the milestone get in touch with 1963.^[1]

Gideon Haigh described him as "perhaps the most influential cricketer and cricket personality since the Second World War."^[2] In his review of Benaud's recollections Anything But, Sri Lankan cricket man of letters Harold de Andrado wrote: "Richie Benaud possibly next to Sir Don Bradman has been one of the unchanging cricketing personalities as player, researcher, scribe, critic, author, organiser, adviser and apprentice of the game."^[3]

Early years

Benaud was in Penrith, New South Wales, prickly 1930. He came from a cricket family, with his younger brother Lav Benaud also going on to transform into an Australian Test cricketer. His father confessor Louis, a third-generation Australian of FrenchHuguenot descent,^[4] was a leg spinner who played for Penrith District Cricket Mace in Sydney Grade Cricket, gaining speak to for taking all twenty wickets sufficient a match against St. Marys select 65.^[5] Lou later moved to Parramatta region in western Sydney, and stilted for Cumberland. Benaud also used pay homage to live in Coraki, NSW.

It was here that Richie Benaud grew slab, learning how to bowl leg breaks, googlies and topspinners under his father's watch.^[4] Educated at Parramatta High Nursery school, Benaud made his first grade launching for Cumberland at age 16, basically as a batsman.^[6]

In November 1948, guarantee the age of 18, Benaud was selected for the New South Cambria Colts, the state youth team. Yes scored 47 not out and took 3/37 in an innings win shelter Queensland.^[7] As a specialist batsman, illegal made his first-class debut for Unusual South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Queensland in the Advanced Year's match of the 1948–49 period. On a green pitch which was struck by a downpour on say publicly opening day, Benaud's spin was turn on the waterworks used by Arthur Morris, and inaccuracy failed to make an impression bump into the bat in his only occasion, scoring only two.^[6][7] New South Princedom were the dominant state at honourableness time, and vacancies in the band were scarce, particularly as there were no Tests that season and entitle of the national team players were available for the whole summer.^[8]

Relegated shut the Second XI after this mate, he was struck in the intellect above the right eye by well-ordered ball from Jack Daniel while batten against Victoria in Melbourne, having wayward adrift an attempted hook. After 28 X-rays showed nothing, it was finally diagnosed that the crater in his bearing had resulted in a skull rupture and he was sidelined for description remainder of the season,^[6] since grand second impact could have been deadly. He spent two weeks in polyclinic for the surgery.^[9] This was rectitude only match he played for righteousness second-string state team that summer.^[7]

In coronet early career, Benaud was a stuffing all-rounder, marked by a looping backlift which made him suspect against ageless bowling but allowed him to have to one`s name a wide attacking stroke range.^[6] Be neck and neck the start of the 1949–50 occasion, he was still in the Alternate XI, but when the Test delegate departed for a tour of Southern Africa soon afterwards,^[7] vacancies opened system failure. Benaud was recalled to the New-found South Wales First XI in become hard December for the Christmas and Recent Year's fixtures. With Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller and Ernie Toshack, three demonstration Australia's leading four bowlers from grandeur 1948 Invincibles tour of England engaged, Benaud bowled heavily in some matches. However, he did not have disproportionate success in his five games, attractive only five wickets at 54.00.^[7]

He took the wicket of Queensland batsman Reckoning Brown in his third match admit the season. Benaud erroneously recalled exterior an autobiography that this was diadem maiden wicket—it was, in fact, sovereignty fourth—and described the ball as "the worst I ever bowled".^[10] He abstruse more success with the bat, score 93 and narrowly missing a hundred against South Australia. He added preference fifty and ended with 250 runs at 31.25.^[7]

For the next season, England toured Australia, and with the Unswerving players back, Benaud was initially false out of the team. He was recalled for a match against excellence Englishmen. He was attacked by honesty touring batsmen, taking 1/75 from 16.5 overs in his first outing aspect an international outfit.^[7] His only lattice was that of the all-rounder Trevor Bailey.^[11] He scored 20 not giveaway and was not called on dispense bowl in the second innings.^[7]

In rectitude next Shield match against Victoria, reluctant by Australian captain Lindsay Hassett, Benaud came in for attack.^[7] Hassett was known for his prowess against gyrate bowling, being the only batsman take over score centuries in a match disagree with the leg-spin of Bill O'Reilly, said as the finest bowler of realm age.^[12] Hassett struck 179 in twosome hours, and took 47 runs shun Benaud's seven overs. The young juncture spinner claimed Hassett in the second-best innings when a ball landed delete a crack and skidded through settlement his foot. He ended with 3/56, the first time he had tied up three wickets in a match.^[7]

In primacy next match against South Australia, proceed made 48, took 4/93 and 1/29 and suffered three dropped catches tough the wicketkeeper in successive balls. Benaud was cementing his position and was in the senior team for quatern consecutive matches even with the Proof players available.^[7] He was selected muddle up an Australian XI match against England, in what was effectively a appropriate for Test selection, but suffered uncomplicated chipped bone in his thumb. That put him out of action undecided the last match of the season,^[13] leaving him with little opportunity oversee impress the national selectors for potentate rise to international cricket. Benaud joint and scored 37 and took clean total of 2/68 in the last match, ending the season with 184 runs at 36.80 and 11 wickets at 34.63.^[7]

Early Test career

The 1951–52 ready saw a tour to Australia contempt the West Indies. Benaud was terrestrial a chance against the visiting prepare when New South Wales played them in Sydney after the First Sip. On a green pitch, Benaud came in at 7/96 and featured keep a century partnership in only nickelanddime hour,^[14] making 43 himself. The Caribbeans were skittled for 134 in clarify and went on to lose leadership match, although they attacked the minor leg-spinner, who took 1/130 in from 36 overs.^[7] Benaud scored jurisdiction maiden first-class century, 117 against Southernmost Australia, in the next match, four years after falling short of authority milestone by seven runs. In magnanimity next four matches, Benaud passed 15 only once, scoring a 34, give orders to took only seven wickets. Up in this point, in seven matches preventable the season, the young all-rounder difficult to understand only scored 307 runs at 27.90 and taken ten wickets at 64.80.^[7]

Despite this, Benaud was chosen for consummate Test debut in the Fifth Appraise against the West Indies in 1951–52 in Sydney. At this point, Continent had already taken an unassailable 3–1 series lead and decided to worrying out some young players.^[8] Selected likewise a batsman, he scored 3 illustrious 19.^[15] Hassett allowed him to move only in the second innings, as nine West Indian wickets had flat and Australia were on the bifurcate of an inevitable victory. Leading correlation batsman Everton Weekes edged Benaud make out his first over, but Gil Astronomer dropped the catch. Benaud went audaciously to dismiss tail-ender Alf Valentine ejection his first Test wicket, conceding 14 runs from 4.3 overs.^[7][14] Benaud withdrawn his season with 97 and well-ordered total of 3/39 in an prizefight win over South Australia.^[7]

For the people Australian season in 1952–53, Benaud going on modestly; and, in the five real matches before the Tests, he scored 208 runs at 26.00, including put in order 63 and 69, and 14 wickets at 38.64. This included figures emblematic 2/70 and 4/90 against the tourism South Africa.^[7] However, this was not quite enough to ensure his selection cloudless the First Test, where he was made 12th man. After scoring 60 and 37 and taking 1/60 advocate an Australian XI against the Southeast Africans following the Test, he was selected for the Second Test.^[16] Be active suffered a smashed gum and efficient severely cut top lip when well-organized square cut by John Waite anxiety the Third Test against South Continent at the Sydney Cricket Ground slip him in the face while prohibited was fielding at short gully.

Doctors told him he was lucky: colour up rinse could have broken his cheekbones, feature or removed his eyesight if hurt had hit any of the adjoining areas. It could have killed him if it had struck him at his skull was previously fractured. Recognized married after the match and confidential to mumble his wedding vows encapsulate a swathe of bandages.^[17] Benaud went on to play in the closing four Tests. He made 124 runs at 20.66, making double figures nervous tension four of seven innings, but was unable to capitalise on his piece by piece, with a top score of 45. His leg spin yielded ten wickets at 30.60, with a best line of attack 4/118 in the Fourth Test cage up Adelaide when he was given spruce heavy workload, totalling 58 overs,^[7] during the time that Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller impoverished down during the match.^[18][19] In alternative match for New South Wales argue with the touring team, he took smart total of 5/95.^[7]

Up to this flop, his first-class batting average was net 30 and his bowling average seal to 40, and he had not in the least taken more than four wickets current an innings or six in boss match.^[7] The selectors persisted in Benaud despite his unproductive Test performances, selection him for the squad for description 1953 Ashes tour of England. Of course had been seventh and eighth sophisticated the domestic run-scoring and wicket-taking aggregates for the season, but was still to convert this into international shadowing. He justified their decision prior fall foul of the team's departure, scoring 167 clump out and taking match figures be paid 7/137 for the touring team overcome a Tasmania Combined XI, his wickets including Test batsmen Miller, Ian Craig and Neil Harvey.^[7][11] He also collide with on 167 in a partnership exact Alan Davidson, the first collaboration mid the pair, who would later constitute on to lead Australia's bowling pull the last five years of their career.^[20] Benaud struck an unbeaten Cardinal and totalled 1/64 in the adhere to match against Western Australia before nobleness Australians departed for England.^[7]

On arrival pride the British Isles, Benaud quickly forced an impression with both bat suggest ball. After scoring 44 and captivating 2/66 in the opening first-class clone against Worcestershire, the all-rounder starred kick up a fuss his next match, against Yorkshire. Stylishness scored 97 in Australia's only struggle and then took 7/46 in righteousness hosts' first innings as the Australians took an innings win.^[7] Although authority form with the willow dropped certify in his remaining six matches in advance the Tests—a 35 was his sole score beyond 20 in seven attempts—Benaud continued to strike regularly with rendering ball. He took 18 wickets trim these matches, including 3/20 and 3/37 against Oxford University, 5/13 against Trivial Counties and 4/38 against Hampshire. That was enough for him to get selection for the start of high-mindedness Tests.^[7]

He managed only eight runs hold four innings in the first yoke Tests, and having taken only several wickets for 136 runs was forsaken for the Third.^[7] This was end up of a month-long run in which he made only 123 runs imprint eight innings and took only septet wickets in four matches.^[7] He was recalled immediately for the Fourth Set down, but was dropped for the 5th after managing seven runs in circlet only innings and going wicketless. Without fear ended the Test series with 15 runs at 3.00 and two wickets at 87.00.^[19] It was thought zigzag the surface at the Oval would favour pacemen, but Australia's selection unmixed to be a blunder^[21] as England's spinners^[22] took them to the sui generis incomparabl win of the series, allowing them to regain the Ashes.^[8]

He also showed his hitting ability in a structure match against T.N. Pearce's XI smash into Scarborough. Opening the batting, he impressed 135 in 110 minutes in picture second innings, including an Australian lean of eleven sixes, four of them in one over.^[6] In eight excellent matches after his Test campaign was over, Benaud added a further half-century in addition to the century overwhelm Pearce's XI, and took 22 excellent wickets, including 4/20 against the Gentry of England.^[7]

Consolidation

After returning home from climax first overseas tour, Benaud was fecund during the 1953–54 Australian season, which was purely domestic with no proceed Test team.^[8] He contributed significantly comprehend both bat and ball in Creative South Wales' Sheffield Shield triumph, description first of nine consecutive titles.^[7] Descent the opening match of the stretch, he struck 158 and took 5/88 and 1/65 against Queensland. He imposture another century in the return attack, striking 144 not out and winsome a total of 2/55. Midway show results the season, he played in Morris's XI in a testimonial match sustenance Hassett, who captained the other crew. Benaud scored 78 and 68 give orders to took a total of 5/238, diadem dismissals being Davidson and frontline Likes and dislikes batsmen in a 121-run win.^[7][11] Proceed then finished the summer strongly, direct ended the season with 811 runs at 62.38 and 35 wickets guard 30.54.^[7] Benaud was the only derby selected for all five Tests put a stop to the 1954–55 series when England visited Australia. He secured his place rear 1 scoring 125 against Queensland at honourableness start of the season,^[23] although reward lead-up form in two matches despoil England for his state and resourcefulness Australian XI was not encouraging.^[7]

At that stage of his career, he abstruse played 13 Tests with mediocre income. Selected as a batsman who could bowl, he had totalled 309 runs at 15.45 without passing 50, jaunt taken 23 wickets at 37.87 show only two four-wicket innings hauls.^[19] Securely so, he was promoted to vice-captain above several senior players when Ian Johnson and Keith Miller missed representation 2nd Test at Sydney through damage and Arthur Morris was made stopgap captain. He also made 113 dispute the touring side for the Core Minister's XI.^[24]

Australia's selectors persisted and preferred him for the squad to expedition the West Indies in 1954–55. Their faith was rewarded by an rim in performances. Benaud contributed 46 pivotal match figures of 2/73 in cool First Test victory at Kingston.^[25] Afterward a draw in the Second Test,^[26] he took three wickets in combine balls to end with 4/15 market the first innings at Georgetown, Guyana, before scoring 68 (his first Show protest half century) as Australia moved survive a 2–0 series lead.^[27] In say publicly Fifth Test at Kingston, he sham a century in 78 minutes, in spite of taking 15 minutes to score rule first run. He ended with 121 and took four wickets in position match as Australia won by proscribe innings and took the series 3–0.^[28] Benaud had contributed 246 runs split 41 and taken wickets steadily feign total 18 at 26.94.^[29]

During the 1956 tour to England, he helped Continent to its only victory in honourableness Lord's Test, when he scored unadorned rapid 97 in the second engagement in 143 minutes from only 113 balls.^[30] His fielding, in particular conclude gully and short leg, was always of a high standard, in from top to bottom his acrobatic catch to dismiss Colin Cowdrey.^[31] He was unable to detain the standards he had set dull the West Indies, contributing little separated from the Lord's Test. He accomplished the series with 200 runs weightiness 25 and eight wickets at 42.5.^[29]

Benaud's bowling reached a new level given the return leg of Australia's alien tour, when they stopped in honourableness Indian subcontinent in 1956–57 en path back to Australia. In a pearl Test against Pakistan in Karachi, explicit scored 56 and took 1/36 sort Australia fell to defeat.^[32] He stated his Test innings best of 7/72 in the first innings of high-mindedness First Test in Madras, allowing Continent to build a large lead direct win by an innings. It was his first five-wicket haul in skilful Test innings.^[33] After taking four wickets in the drawn Second Test bonding agent Bombay,^[34]

Benaud bowled Australia to victory presume the Third Test in Calcutta, seal the series 2–0.^[35] He took 6/52 and 5/53, his best-ever match review, ending the series with 113 runs at 18.83 and 24 wickets spokesperson 17.66.^[29][36]

It was the first of potentate successes against India, against whom explicit took his wickets at an numerous of 18. This put him proclaim a small group of spinners whose career averages were inferior to their performances against India, generally regarded owing to the best players of spin plenty the world.^[37] At this stage considerate his career, he had yet be adjacent to perform consistently with bat and circle simultaneously, apart from his breakthrough stack in the Caribbean. He had managed, in the 14 Tests since hence, 559 runs at 27.95 and 67 wickets at 24.98.^[29][36]

Benaud took part trauma Australia's tour of New Zealand escape February to March 1957. The silhouette included seven first-class matches, three sponsor which were unofficial Tests. Benaud was the top wicket-taker on the course, with 32 wickets at 19.31, enthralled Australia's top wicket-taker in the twosome matches against New Zealand, with 15 wickets at 21.73.^[38] Early in righteousness tour, when the team visited Timaru to pay a minor match, Benaud went to a pharmacy to predict if he could get something hide soothe his spinning-fingers, which had bent torn by his spinning action schedule many years. The pharmacist, Ivan Criminal, suggested a treatment with calamine embrocation and boracic acid. It worked indulgence once, and Benaud used it thenceforth. "Meeting Ivan James was a exceptional piece of luck," he wrote later; "walking into that chemist's shop hill Timaru saved my bowling career."^[39]

Peak ripen and captaincy

After a break in grandeur international calendar of a year, excellence 1957–58 tour to South Africa heralded the start of a phase counterfeit three international seasons when Benaud was at his peak. The tour adage his bowling talents come to rendering fore when he took 106 wickets,^[40] surpassing the previous record of 104 by England's Sydney Barnes. He scored 817 runs including four centuries, couple of them in Test matches.^[4] Decency first of these came in authority First Test at Johannesburg, where rearguard conceding 1/115, Benaud struck 122, reward highest Test score, to see Land reach a draw.^[41]

In the Second Complex at Cape Town, Benaud took 4/95 and then 5/49 in the secondly innings to secure an innings acquisition after the home team were negligible to follow on.^[42] He followed that with 5/114 in a drawn Position Test,^[43] before a match-winning all subdivision performance in the Fourth Test shut in Johannesburg. Benaud struck exactly 100 take on the first innings, before taking 4/70 in South Africa's reply. When Southward Africa followed on, Benaud took 5/84, which left Australia needing only get someone on the blower run to win.^[44] He took 5/82 in the second innings of decency Fifth Test, the fourth consecutive lookalike in which he had taken quintuplet wickets in an innings, as Land took a 3–0 series win.^[45] Blooper had been a major contributor analysis the series win, scoring 329 runs at 54.83 and taking 30 wickets at 21.93, establishing himself as give someone a ring of the leading leg spinners defer to the modern era.^[29][36]

When Ian Craig skin ill at the start of decency 1958–59 season, Benaud was promoted check in the captaincy ahead of vice-captain Neil Harvey. Harvey and Benaud had back number captains of their respective states in a holding pattern Harvey moved in the same spell 1 for employment purposes from Victoria take advantage of New South Wales and became Benaud's deputy.^[6][46] Benaud had little prior guidance experience, and faced the task only remaining recovering the Ashes from an England team which had arrived in Country as favourites. He led from description front with his bowling, taking replica figures of 7/112 in his first performance as captain as Australia claimed character First Test in Brisbane.^[47] Benaud's general public won the Second Test,^[48] before closure took 5/83 and 4/94 in high-mindedness drawn Third Test.^[49] Benaud produced brush all-round performance of 46, 5/91 snowball 4/82 in the Fourth Test reach Adelaide to take an unassailable 3–0 series lead and regain the Ashes,^[50] before scoring 64 and match canvass of 5/57 to help take position Fifth Test and a 4–0 panel result.^[51] Benaud contributed 132 runs nail 26.4 and 31 wickets at birth low average of 18.83,^[29][36] as be successful as his shrewd and innovative captaincy.^[4] According to Neil Harvey, he extremely was the first captain who afoot hosting team meetings, a procedure immediately followed by his successors after forbidden retired.^{[citation needed]}

Benaud then led Australia wish its first full tour of decency Indian subcontinent, playing three and cardinal Tests against Pakistan and India individually. Benaud took 4/69 and 4/42 pointed the First Test in Dacca (now in Bangladesh), sealing Australia's first standin in Pakistan.^[52] He took four wickets in a Second Test in City that sealed the series 2–0,^[53] righteousness last time Australia would win elegant Test in Pakistan until Mark Taylor's men in 1998, 37 years succeeding. Six further wickets in the tatty Third Test saw Benaud end grandeur series with 84 runs at 28 and 18 wickets at 21.11.^[29][36][54] Benaud made a strong start to greatness series against India, taking 3/0 expect the first innings of the Important Test in Delhi, before a 5/76-second innings haul secured an innings victory.^[55] Benaud had less of an put on on the next two Tests, which Australia lost and drew, totaling 6/244.^[56][57] He returned to form with 5/43 and 3/43 as India were cowed by an innings after being constrained to follow on in the One-quarter Test in Madras.^[58] A further heptad wickets from the captain in significance Fifth Test saw Australia secure practised draw and the series 2–1.^[59]

Benaud abstruse contributed 91 runs at 15.16 stomach 29 wickets at 19.59.^[29][36] The premier two seasons of the Benaud operation had been a resounding success, upset Australia winning eight, drawing four pointer losing only one Test. Benaud's outoftheway form was a major factor hold this success. In the previous seasons when he and his team were at their peak, he had scored 636 runs at 31.8 with busy 108 wickets at 20.27 in xviii Tests, averaging six wickets a match.^{[citation needed]}

Later career

Benaud took over when Inhabitant cricket was in a low point with a young team. His frank, aggressive captaincy and daring approach succeed to cricket – and his charismatic soul and public relations ability – revitalized cricket interest in Australia. This was exhibited in the 1960–61 Test escort against the visiting West Indians, organize which the grounds were packed join greater levels than they are these days despite Australia's population doubling since then.^{[citation needed]}

The First Test in Brisbane concluded in the first tie in Complex history, which came about after Benaud and Alan Davidson, rather than position for a draw, decided to damage defeat and play an attacking solidify, which took Australia to the lip of victory. Australia had fallen get in touch with 6/92 on the final day cutting a target of 233 with Benaud and Davidson at the crease. Australia's chances of winning looked remote just as they reached tea at 6/109 farm 124 runs still required with the tailenders to follow. Despite that, Benaud told chairman of selectors Teacher Bradman that he would still reasonably going for an improbable victory layer accordance with his policy of inroad. With an attacking partnership, the badly maintained took Australia to within sight sustaining the target.^[60]

Both men were noted care for their hitting ability and viewed unshielded as their most effective chance racket survival. Regular boundaries and quickly-run singles took the score to 226, systematic seventh-wicket partnership of 134. Only sevener runs were required with four wickets in hand as time was say short. Benaud hit a ball encouragement the covers and the pair attempted a quick single when a primordial hit from Joe Solomon saw Davidson run out. Australia needed six runs from the final over, in which Benaud was caught and the determined two wickets fell to run cable while attempting the winning run.^[61]

The Prime example was tied when Solomon ran outIan Meckiff with a direct hit. Benaud had an ineffective match with primacy ball, taking 1/162.^[62] He took 4/107 in a seven-wicket victory in Melbourne,^[63] before the West Indies levelled primacy series with a 22-run win cut down Sydney. Benaud had a heavy pressure in the match, taking 8/199 afterwards Davidson tore a hamstring mid-match.^[64][65] Eliminate Adelaide, with Davidson absent, Benaud bowled long spells to take match count of 7/207 in addition to uncut score of 77 in the prime innings.^[66] With Davidson back, Australia won the final Test by two wickets,^[67] after a controversial incident in which Australian wicketkeeper Wally Grout was wail given out hit wicket when first-class bail was dislodged and the umpires did not notice. Australia won influence series 2–1, and although Benaud was below his best, scoring at 21.77 and taking 23 wickets at 33.87,^[29][36] the series was a success purpose cricket. The unprecedented public interest gnome the Caribbean touring party farewelled append a ticker-tape parade by the Indweller public. Along with the West Asiatic captain Frank Worrell, Benaud's bold ascendancy enlivened interest in Test cricket amidst a public who had increasingly said it as boring.^[4]

On his third come first final tour to England in 1961, he was hampered by damaged tendons in his right shoulder, which false him to miss the Second Be evidence of at Lord's known as the "Battle of the Ridge". In all settle down missed a third of the matches due to injury. Despite this injury to his bowling shoulder, his prepare played with an aggressive strategy primary them to lose only one Choice match and no other matches generous the tour, honouring his pre-series pledge.^[4] The First Test at Edgbaston was drawn with Benaud taking three wickets.^[68] After Harvey led the team package victory at Lord's,^[69] Benaud had keep you going unhappy return in the Third soothe Headingley scoring two runs in innings and taking match figures heed 2/108 as Australia lost within couple days.^[70][71] With the series balanced at one\'s fingertips 1–1, the Fourth Test at A range of Trafford initially brought no improvement, obey Benaud scoring 2 and taking 0/80 in the first innings. He idea 1 in the second before straight last-wicket partnership between Davidson and Gospeller McKenzie of 98 yielded a reasonable target.^[72]

During England's chase on the last afternoon it became apparent that, pick up again Ted Dexter scoring quickly, Australia would lose the Test unless England were bowled out. Benaud went around nobility wicket and bowled into the tradition, having Dexter caught behind and abuse Peter May bowled around his end. Benaud's 5/13 in 25 balls instigated an English collapse which saw Land retain the Ashes. He finished grandeur innings with 6/70.^[72] Benaud then took four wickets in the drawn 5th Test to end the series 2–1.^[73] Benaud had a poor series surrender the bat, scoring 45 runs catch 9, but was more successful give way the ball, taking 15 wickets consider 32.53. He finished the first-class outing with 627 runs and 61 wickets at 23.54.^[4] He was appointed place OBE in that year and rip open 1962 was named as one accord the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.^[31]

The 1961–62 Australian season was purely exceptional domestic one, with no touring worldwide team. Benaud led New South Principality throughout a dominant season, winning ethics Sheffield Shield with 64 of rank 80 possible points.^[74] Benaud was illustriousness leading wicket-taker of the season work stoppage 47 at 17.97.^[75] His aggressive clever style brought large crowds throughout illustriousness season, with almost 18,000 watching put the finishing touches to match against South Australia.^[76]

In another double against Victoria, he ordered his posse to attempt to score 404 give up the final day to take deal with unlikely victory in accordance with straighten up promise to score at 400 tasteless day. At one stage, New Southeast Wales were six wickets down reach less than 150 runs scored, however Benaud refused to attempt to defence for a draw. He made Cardinal, in a seventh-wicket partnership of 255 in just 176 minutes, an Denizen record that still stands.^[77]

In 1962–63 sketch English team under Dexter visited Land. Fred Trueman with 216 Test wickets and Brian Statham with 229 were poised to overtake the record counterfeit 236 Test wickets set by decency assistant-manager Alec Bedser. Benaud was added contender with 219 wickets, but noisy was Statham who broke the put on video (only to be overtaken by Trueman in New Zealand) and Benaud challenging to be content with breaking Lie to Lindwall's Australian record of 228 Testify wickets. In an early tour point Benaud took his best first farm innings haul of 18–10–18–7 for Original South Wales against the MCC, which lost by an innings and 80 runs, the state's biggest win be against the English team.^[78] Benaud started rectitude series with seven wickets and spiffy tidy up half century as the First Intricate in Brisbane was drawn.^[79] This was followed by three unproductive Tests which yielded only 5/360 and a come first apiece.^[80][81][82] Benaud returned to form run off with match figures of 5/142 and 57 in the Fifth Test at Sydney,^[83] which ended in a draw during the time that Benaud ordered Bill Lawry and Cock Burge to play out the ultimate afternoon for a draw that would retain the Ashes. They were booed and heckled as they left authority field and Benaud's reputation as uncomplicated "go ahead" cricket captain was ineptly tarnished.^[84][85] The draw meant that greatness series was shared 1–1, the regulate time he had drawn a leanto after five successive wins. It was another lean series with the abrupt, Benaud's 17 wickets costing 40.47, birth third consecutive series where his wickets cost more than 30.^[36] His batten was reliable, with 227 runs tiny 32.47.^[29]

At the start of the 1963–64 season, Benaud announced that it would be his last at first-class run down. The first Test of the bout, against the touring South Africans, old saying high drama as Australia's left limb paceman Ian Meckiff was called receive throwing by Colin Egar and detached from the attack by Benaud pinpoint one over. Benaud did not excavate Meckiff from the other end, vital at the end of the plane Meckiff announced his retirement.^[4] Benaud took 5/72 and scored 43 in authority First Test,^[86] but then injured myself in a grade match, so Shake Simpson captained the team for nobleness Second Test and won the echelon in Benaud's absence.^[87]

Upon his return, Benaud advised the Australian Cricket Board rove it would be in the in a superior way interests of the team if Physician continued as captain for the overage of the season. Benaud took 3/116 to complement scores of 43 take 90 on his return in probity Third Test in Sydney.^[88] His endorsement two Tests saw no fairytale conclude, yielding only four wickets and 55 runs.^[89][90] His batting had been wobble though with 231 runs at 33,^[29] but his bowling was less deadpan, taking 12 wickets at 37.42.^[36]

Benaud was awarded life membership by the Newfound South Wales Cricket Association, but inaccuracy returned it in protest in 1970 when his younger brother John was removed from the captaincy.^[91] In 1967–68 he captained a Commonwealth team be drawn against Pakistan, playing in his last pentad first-class fixtures.^[92]

During Benaud's captaincy, Australia plainspoken not lose a series, and became the dominant team in world cricket. His success was based on diadem ability to attack, his tactical determination and his ability to extract work up performance from his players, in deal out Davidson. He was known for wreath unbuttoned shirt, and raised eyebrows hash up his on-field exuberance. Benaud embraced dominion players when opposition wickets fell, particular that was uncommon at the time.^[6] Benaud's bold leadership coupled with her highness charismatic nature and public relations knack enlivened interest in Test cricket amidst a public who had increasingly assumed it as boring.^[4]

Playing style

Benaud was note a large spinner of the agglomeration, but he was known for ruler ability to extract substantial bounce get out of the surface. In addition to climax accurate probing consistency, he possessed fastidious well-disguised googly and topspinner which tricked many batsmen and yielded him numberless wickets. In his later career, recognized added the flipper, a combination discount the googly and top spinner which was passed to him by Physician Dooland. Coupled with his subtle flux in flight and angle of decency delivery, he kept the batsman on the bottom of constant pressure.^[4] Benaud had the intellect to bowl around the wicket fall out a time when he was susceptible of the first players to at the appointed time so; it had an influence bowed spin bowlers like Shane Warne view Ashley Giles.^[93] Benaud was regarded monkey one of the finest close-fielders insensible his era, either at gully defeat in a silly position. As spruce batsman, he was tall and lissom, known for his hitting power, attach particular his lofted driving ability shake off the front foot.^[4]

Johnnie Moyes said "Certainly Benaud received a little help circumvent the roughened patches, but he could do what the off-spinners could call for do: he could turn the urgent, mostly slowly, sometimes with more urbanity. His control was admirable, and during the time that Benaud gets a batsman in disturb he rarely if ever gives him a loose one. He keeps him pinned down, probing and probing \'til the victim is well and de facto enmeshed."^[94]

Cricket career highlights

• Early in his employment, he hit 100 runs against significance West Indies in 78 minutes, nobility third fastest Test century of buzz time (in terms of minutes enjoy the crease, not balls faced) leading the second fastest by an Australian.^[95] *Benaud was in charge for depiction inaugural 1960–61 Frank Worrell Trophy admit the West Indies, a series wander included the famous Tied Test.^[62]
• Benaud's chief Test score of 122 was thankful against South Africa, Johannesburg, 1957–1958^[2]
• His defeat Test bowling effort of 7 practise 72 was against India, Madras, 1956–1957^[2]
• He captained Australia in 28 Tests: 12 wins, 11 draws, 1 tie, 4 losses^[2]
• In 1963 he became the greatest player to complete the Test twofold of 200 wickets and 2,000 runs.^[96] He was one of only 10 Australian cricketers to have scored supplementary contrasti than 10,000 runs and taken bonus than 500 wickets in first-class cricket.^[97] He ended his Test career cloudless Sydney with statistics of 248 wickets (the Australia Test record at zigzag time) at 27.03 and 2,201 runs at 24.45.^[2]

Media career

After the 1956 England tour, Benaud stayed behind in Writer to take a BBC presenter practice course. He took up a journalism position with the News of magnanimity World,^[98] beginning as a police roundsman before becoming a sports columnist. Decline 1960, he made his first receiver commentary in the United Kingdom claim the BBC, after which he stirred into television.^[97]

After retiring from playing smother 1964, Benaud turned to full-time cricket journalism and commentary, dividing his age between Britain (where he worked financial assistance the BBC for many years in advance joining Channel 4 in 1999), post Australia (for the Nine Network). Comprehensive he played in or commentated foul language approximately 500 Test matches, as proceed himself noted in one of queen final interviews in Britain when spontaneously if he would miss Test cricket.^[99]

He openly criticised the actions by rendering Chappell brothers (Trevor and Greg) lineage the post-match reaction to the underhand bowling incident of 1981. He rejected the commentary booth when New Island was about to clinch a Write out victory at Lord's in 1999, despite the fact that former New Zealand captain-turned-commentator Ian Sculptor to call the famous victory stand for his compatriots.^[100] Some of his nook memorable moments he commentated on facade Shane Warne's "Ball of the Century",^[101]Ian Botham's dominant all-round display during prestige 1981 Ashes,^[97]Dennis Lillee overtaking Benaud's enigmatic for most wickets, and subsequent Threehundredth and 310th wickets, and Andrew Symonds' tackle on a streaker.^[102]

The idea uncontaminated what became his trademark—wearing a ointment or white jacket during live commentary—came from Channel 9 owner Kerry Workman, who suggested the look to assist Benaud stand out from the disperse of the commentary team.^[103]

He also helped to design a computer-based parody break into himself available for download off Point 4's website called "Desktop Richie". Pound was developed by the software attitude Turtlez Ltd. Having downloaded this, cricket fans would be treated to material Test match updates and weather measure from a cartoon version of Benaud with real voice samples such introduce "Got 'im!" and "That's stumps ... essential time for a glass of proceed chilled". On Channel 4's live gloss 2, Benaud often made sarcastic comments in respect of the advertisement of Desktop Richie.^[97]

In 2004, Benaud starred in a series pick up the tab television advertisements for the Australian Voyages Commission, aimed at promoting Australia primate a tourist destination. Benaud's ad featured him in various scenic locations uttering his signature comment, "Marvellous!".^[104] It was also emulated by New Zealand journo John Campbell. He appeared in Richie Benaud's Greatest XI, a video encompass which he chooses his own team.^[105]

Benaud became a staunch advocate of cricket being available on free-to-view TV. Appease chose to end his British footnote career, which spanned more than 42 years, when the rights to put out live Test match cricket were missing by Channel 4 to the dues broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting. Thus, rendering 2005 Ashes series was the endure that Benaud commentated on in Kingdom. His final commentary came near magnanimity end of the final day tension the Fifth Test at the Obovoid. His last goodbye was interrupted surpass Glenn McGrath taking Kevin Pietersen's wicket; Benaud simply wove his description retard the dismissal into what he was already saying. Benaud stated he would spend the Northern Hemisphere summer demonstrate Britain writing, and would continue running for the Nine Network in Australia.^[106]

Benaud commentated for the BBC TV highlights of the 2006–07 Ashes in Continent as part of his continuing comment work for Australia's Nine Network.^[107]

Benaud's exclusive speaking style has been frequently parodied on the Australian comedy series Comedy Inc. and The Twelfth Man. Alternative route the case of the latter, kidder Billy Birmingham's impersonations of Benaud superior The Twelfth Man comedy recordings be blessed with become very successful, spanning more pat twenty years.^[108]Chris Barrie of Red Dwarf fame incorporated impressions of Benaud smash into his stand-up repertoire.^[109]

On 18 February 2009, during a radio interview, Benaud declared that he would be retiring television commentary. Benaud said: "I'll designate doing Australian cricket next year—2010—but Funny don't do any television at gifted anywhere else now and when Crazed finish next year, then I'll fur doing other things ... But that'll rectify no more television commentary".^[110]

It was declared on 15 November 2009, that Benaud had signed a three-year contract presage the Nine Network to continue continuance part of their cricket coverage forthcoming 2013, although his role would exchange from that of ball-by-ball commentary. Benaud said: "I won't be doing last commentary any more." Someone asked dispute, "Does that mean you'll never send back go into the commentary box?", "Well, the answer to that", Benaud replied, "If there is, as there again can be, some emergency or straight sensational happening on or off class field where it would be perfectly ridiculous not to go into rectitude commentary box, of course I'll elect in there doing my job other doing it as professionally as Frantic can. But I won't be bias the live commentary roster. But Crazed will be doing all sorts adequate, what I regard as, interesting characteristics for Channel Nine on the cricket—special features on the cricket ...". Benaud commentated regularly during the 2011–12 season stomach was part of Nine's commentating team/roster.^[111]

Personal life

Benaud married Marcia Lavender break through 1953 and had two sons, Greg and Jeffery, from this marriage; fair enough divorced Marcia in 1967.^[31] In 1967, he married his second wife, Nymph Surfleet, who had worked for rank English cricket writer E. W. Swanton.^[31] Benaud and Daphne often stayed insensible their holiday home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer bid the French Riviera.^[113][114]

On 29 October 2008, Benaud's mother, Irene, died, aged 104. He said of her, "She advance my love of vegetables by burden the phrase, 'You can't go give and play cricket until you own eaten all your vegetables.'"^[115]

In October 2013, Benaud crashed his vintage 1965 Beam of light Alpine into a wall while purposeful near his home in Coogee, graceful beachside suburb in Sydney's east. Explicit sustained a cracked sternum and margin injuries. Slow recovery meant he was unable to commentate for Australia's Fjord Nine during the 2013–14 Ashes series.^[116]

Benaud had last handed "Baggy green" caps to Simon Katich and Mitchell Starc when they made their Test debuts. Benaud's own was lost early look his Test career, and former captain—now commentator and the Director of Cricket Australia, Mark Taylor—was to present fastidious replacement cap to him at righteousness semi-final of the 2015 Cricket Globe Cup between Australia and India doubtful the SCG, but Benaud was as well unwell to attend, and when high-mindedness cap arrived at Channel 9 improper, it was the day before Benaud died. It was presented to surmount wife.^[117]

Death

In November 2014, at age 84, Benaud announced that he had archaic diagnosed with skin cancer.^[118] He grand mal in his sleep on 10 Apr 2015.^{[119][120][121]}

Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered emperor family a state funeral; his woman, Daphne, declined, respecting his wishes lay out a private funeral.^[112][122]

Benaud was buried have a look at 15 April, in a private sepulture ceremony attended only by his swift family. Later that same day, near was a commemoration service officiated alongside former teammate turned lay preacher Brian Booth; attendees included his family nearby close friends—among them former players, as well as Ian Chappell and Shane Warne, prosperous Australian Test captain Michael Clarke.^[123]

Recognition

Benaud was made an Officer of the Warm up of the British Empire (OBE) slot in 1961 for services to cricket. Agreed was inducted into the Sport State Hall of Fame in 1985.^[124] Break off 1999, he was awarded a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Sports Broadcaster.^[125]

In 2007, he was inducted into representation Australian Cricket Hall of Fame take into account the Allan Border Medal award half-light and in 2009 he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall unknot Fame.^[126]

In November 2015, Benaud became effect honouree at Bradman Foundation, having antique a long-serving patron in his life.^[127] After rain interrupted the 2016 SCG Test against West Indies, the beyond day unofficially became Richie Benaud Time as 501 Benaud impersonators stayed inert the SCG, which is a lifetime before the annual Jane McGrath Fair for Breast Cancer awareness and fundraising, which was again rained out.^[128]

In 2017, the Australian Mint issued a 50-cent coin commemorating Benaud.

In October 2018, Benaud became the 40th Legend drain liquid from the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.^[129]

Books

Benaud wrote a number of books:^[130]

• The Stash away of Cricket (1961)
• A Tale of Bend over Tests (1962)
• Spin Me a Spinner (1963)
• The New Champions (1966)
• Willow Patterns (1969)
• Test Cricket (1982)
• World Series Cup Cricket 1981–82 (1982)
• The Hottest Summer (1983)
• The Ashes 1982–83 (1983)
• Benaud on Reflection (1984)
• The Appeal of Cricket (1995)
• Anything But (1998)
• My Spin on Cricket (2005)
• Over But Not Out (2010)

See also

Notes