Cricket
The Voice of Cricket passes away─── 08:26 Fri, 10 Apr 2015
Former Australian test captain and legendary commentator, Richie Benaud, has passed away in Sydney at the age of 84.
Benaud had been suffering with skin cancer of late and led and activate campaign to inform young cricketers on dangerous of not using sunscreen.
Widely known as the Voice of Cricket, Benaud was a giant figure in the sport and passed away in his sleep in a Sydney hospice.
After 44 years calling Australian and international cricket for Channel Nine, Benaud was unable to take his spot behind the microphone in the summer of 2013/14 after crashing his vintage car near his home in Sydney.
In December last year, the charasmatic commentator was scheduled to do the fourth test between Australia and India at the Sydney Ground, however due to his illness was unable to call what would have been his commentating swansong.
World Cup winning Australian captain, Michael Clarke fondly remembers the charismatic Voice of Cricket.
A leg-spinning all-rounder, Benaud made his first-class debut for New South Wales at the age of 18 before making his national debut at three years later.
Benaud also lead the Australians to South Africa 1970, in South Africa's last test series before isolation.
He was the first player to score 2 000 Test runs and take 200 wickets, and he was never defeated in a series in 28 matches as captain.
Along with his dry wit, economy of words and insightful analysis, Benaud's silvery hair and unmistakeable cream jackets would propel him into a cult figure through the cricketing world.
Australian fans dressed as Richie Benaud enjoy the action during day two of the Fifth Ashes Test match between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. Photo Matt King.
Morgan Piek / OFM News
