SYDNEY: Former Australian captain and legendary commentator Richie Benaud, who had an outstanding bowling record against India with a phenomenal 52 wickets in just 8 Tests, passed away in his sleep aged 84.
Benaud, who was battling skin cancer and had survived a major car accident in 2013, reportedly died peacefully while asleep last night.
The former all-rounder, who was the first to score 2,000 Test runs and take 200 Test wickets, played 63 five-day matches in his career. Benaud took 248 wickets at an average of 27.03 and scored 2201 runs at 24.45 per innings with 122 being his highest knock.
It was against India that he really excelled during the 1956 series when he took 23 wickets in three Test matches, including a career-best figures of 7/72 at the Corporation Stadium in Madras, now called Chennai.
He took 52 wickets in all against India, an astonishing figure given that he played only 8 Tests for the haul. He came to India once in 1956 for a three-match Test series, during which he took 23 wickets, the highest by any bowler from either side. In the 1959 series, he took 29 wickets in 5 Tests.
“A sad day for Australia. We have lost a cricketing champion and Australian icon. What an innings. RIP Richie Benaud,” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott tweeted and declared that Benaud would be accorded a state funeral.
The Australian flag would also fly at half mast during Benaud’s funeral.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid tribute to the legendary former player saying, “The world of cricket has not just lost a voice but a true legend in every sense…RIP Richie Benaud, you will be missed.”
Benaud captained Australia in 28 Tests and the team did not lose a single series under his leadership.
After a glittering career on the field, Benaud embarked on what turned out to be a legendary innings as commentator and broadcaster for Channel Nine.
He also played a key role in the launch of World Series Cricket as an organizer for the Kerry Packer-conceptualized event.
Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said Benaud’s impact on the game was indelible.
“Our country has lost a national treasure,” he said.
“After Don Bradman, there has been no Australian player more famous or more influential than Richie Benaud,” he said.
Tributes also poured in for the iconic cricketer-turned-commentator with Australian captain Michael Clarke being among the first to pay homage.
“My vintage, we grew up with that voice. He was a great player and a great captain. A wonderful leader of men and he continued that off the field,” Clarke told ‘Channel Nine’, where Benaud spent most of his broadcast career.
“He loved winning. He helped the Australian team have the attitude where they wanted to win. He played the game the right way.”
“Great Man … Great Cricketer… Greatest ever Sports Commentator….,” tweeted former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Cricketers – current and former – from around the world, also paid tribute to Benaud on social media.
“Cricket has just lost one of the legends, cricket on TV won’t sound the same http://anymore.RIP Richie Benaud,” said Indian spinner R Ashwin.
“#RIP Richie your voice will live on in our hearts.
Condolences goes out to his family and friends,” tweeted West Indies’ Darren Sammy
Former Indian captain Bishan Singh Bedi lauded Benaud’s style of commentary.
“…his commentary was based on ‘silence is golden on TV’ camera is talking!!”
Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson said Benaud would be missed. “A truly great person, you will always be remembered for what you gave to this world. R.I.P Richie,” he tweeted.
Australian spin legend Shane Warne described Benaud as a close friend. “As a cricketer, commentator and as a person, you were the best there’s ever been and to top it off, an absolute gentleman,” he said.
“For me it was an honor and a privilege to call you a close friend and mentor, we had so many wonderful times together, talking cricket and in particular, our love and passion of leg spin bowling.”-PTI
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