As news of Richie Benaud’s passing rocks the nation this morning, The Weekly celebrates the life of a man who brought so much spirit to the game of cricket, giving it a voice in the commentary box after stepping off the field.
“There are so many ways to pay homage to a man as accomplished as Richie Benaud,” writes colleague, Steve Crawley, in his tribute, “but it’s a catalogue of the little things for which we love him that perhaps best celebrates his legend. Not that he ever wants to be celebrated in any fashion. We love the way the waiter comes around at dinner and says, “Red or white, Mr Benaud?” and he says, “Yes, thank you!”
“The way he walks along the Yarra on those sultry evenings of the Boxing Day Test, hand-in-hand with wife Daphne. How he comes to the MCG the next day, raises his miniature binoculars and looks for her seat in the sold-out stands. How, when he finds Daphne, he lowers his binoculars, smiles and waves. She doesn’t see him, of course. But with him, it’s the thought that counts. The total respect.” Read the full story here.
The 84-year-old has died in a Sydney hospice after battling skin cancer.
Benaud had been receiving radiation treatment since November.
Richie Benaud passed away peacefully in his sleep, after a battle with skin cancer.
Richie was counted as one of the best cricketers to ever grace the game.
Pictured here with his wife, Daphne, who he was married to for 48 years.
Richie was both a formidable batsman, and a talented bowler, finishing his career with 259 first class test matches.
Harold de Andrado said of Richie: “[He was] 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.”
Richie and his wife Daphne lived between Sydney, London and Frace during his long career.
A cricket score board displays a tribute to the late Mr. Benaud.
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