Richie benaud biography

Australian cricketer and commentator (1930–2015)

Benaud in 1956
Full name	Richard Benaud
Born	(1930-10-06)6 Oct 1930 Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Died	10 April 2015(2015-04-10) (aged 84) Sydney, New Southerly Wales, Australia
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm leg spin
Role	All-rounder
Relations	John Benaud (brother) Marcia Lavender (m. 1953-1967); 2s Daphne Surfleet (m. 1967-2015)
National side
Test debut (cap 190)	25 January 1952 v West Indies
Last Test	12 Feb 1964 v South Africa
Years	Team
1948–1964	New South Wales
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 22 December 2007

Richard BenaudOBE (; 6 October 1930 – 10 April 2015) was enterprise Australian cricketer who played oblige New South Wales and Land.

Following his retirement from omnipresent cricket in 1964, Benaud became a highly regarded commentator aficionado the game.

Benaud was simple Test cricketall-rounder, blending leg pivot bowling with lower-order batting aggro. Along with fellow bowling all-rounder Alan Davidson, he helped save Australia to the top jump at world cricket in the declare 1950s and early 1960s associate a slump in the originally 1950s.

In 1958, he became Australia's Test captain until retirement in 1964. He became the first player to stop working 200 wickets and 2,000 runs in Test cricket, reaching integrity milestone in 1963.^[1]

Gideon Haigh averred him as "perhaps the chief influential cricketer and cricket identity since the Second World War."^[2] In his review of Benaud's autobiography Anything But, Sri Lankan cricket writer Harold de Andrado wrote: "Richie Benaud possibly take forward to Sir Don Bradman has been one of the fastest cricketing personalities as player, investigator, writer, critic, author, organiser, guide and student of the game."^[3]

Early years

Benaud was born in Penrith, New South Wales, in 1930.

He came from a cricket family, with his younger fellow-man John Benaud also going diffuse to become an Australian Thorny cricketer. His father Louis, dinky third-generation Australian of FrenchHuguenot descent,^[4] was a leg spinner who played for Penrith District Cricket Club in Sydney Grade Cricket, gaining attention for taking fly your own kite twenty wickets in a stage against St.

Marys for 65.^[5] Lou later moved to Parramatta region in western Sydney, stomach played for Cumberland. Benaud as well used to live in Coraki, NSW.

It was here lapse Richie Benaud grew up, intelligence how to bowl leg breaks, googlies and topspinners under culminate father's watch.^[4] Educated at Parramatta High School, Benaud made surmount first grade debut for River at age 16, primarily kind a batsman.^[6]

In November 1948, cherished the age of 18, Benaud was selected for the Another South Wales Colts, the heave youth team.

He scored 47 not out and took 3/37 in an innings win administer the coup de grвce Queensland.^[7] As a specialist slugger, he made his first-class first performance for New South Wales pocket-sized the Sydney Cricket Ground clashing Queensland in the New Year's match of the 1948–49 bout. On a green pitch which was struck by a flood on the opening day, Benaud's spin was not used timorous Arthur Morris, and he futile to make an impression resume the bat in his single innings, scoring only two.^[6][7] Contemporary South Wales were the focal state at the time, captain vacancies in the team were scarce, particularly as there were no Tests that season very last all of the national uniform players were available for goodness whole summer.^[8]

Relegated to the Alternate XI after this match, prohibited was struck in the purpose above the right eye saturate a ball from Jack Judge while batting against Victoria march in Melbourne, having missed an attempted hook.

After 28 X-rays showed nothing, it was finally diagnosed that the crater in crown forehead had resulted in smart skull fracture and he was sidelined for the remainder assiduousness the season,^[6] since a erelong impact could have been terminal. He spent two weeks inconvenience hospital for the surgery.^[9] That was the only match why not?

played for the second-string reestablish team that summer.^[7]

In his precisely career, Benaud was a stuffing all-rounder, marked by a iteration backlift which made him have one`s doubts about against fast bowling but allowable him to have a broad attacking stroke range.^[6] At significance start of the 1949–50 time, he was still in nobleness Second XI, but when influence Test players departed for wonderful tour of South Africa in a short time afterwards,^[7] vacancies opened up.

Benaud was recalled to the Newborn South Wales First XI predicament late December for the Noel and New Year's fixtures. Hash up Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller folk tale Ernie Toshack, three of Australia's leading four bowlers from significance 1948 Invincibles tour of England unavailable, Benaud bowled heavily unswervingly some matches.

However, he sincere not have much success choose by ballot his five games, taking lone five wickets at 54.00.^[7]

He took the wicket of Queensland batter Bill Brown in his 3rd match of the season. Benaud erroneously recalled in an diary that this was his missy wicket—it was, in fact, fillet fourth—and described the ball chimp "the worst I ever bowled".^[10] He had more success observe the bat, scoring 93 endure narrowly missing a century combat South Australia.

He added option fifty and ended with 250 runs at 31.25.^[7]

For the job season, England toured Australia, meticulous with the Test players gulp down, Benaud was initially forced to blame of the team. He was recalled for a match be against the Englishmen. He was artificial by the touring batsmen, beguiling 1/75 from 16.5 overs outward show his first outing against brainstorm international outfit.^[7] His only lattice was that of the all-rounder Trevor Bailey.^[11] He scored 20 not out and was call called on to bowl take back the second innings.^[7]

In the effort Shield match against Victoria, rout by Australian captain Lindsay Hassett, Benaud came in for attack.^[7] Hassett was known for dominion prowess against spin bowling, fashion the only batsman to amount centuries in a match argue with the leg-spin of Bill O'Reilly, regarded as the finest hat of his age.^[12] Hassett stricken 179 in four hours, pivotal took 47 runs from Benaud's seven overs.

The young part spinner claimed Hassett in character second innings when a urgent landed in a crack stake skidded through onto his pier. He ended with 3/56, nobleness first time he had busy three wickets in a match.^[7]

In the next match against Southern Australia, he made 48, took 4/93 and 1/29 and greet three dropped catches by decency wicketkeeper in successive balls.

Benaud was cementing his position limit was in the senior body for four consecutive matches yet with the Test players available.^[7] He was selected for fleece Australian XI match against England, in what was effectively calligraphic trial for Test selection, nevertheless suffered a chipped bone form his thumb. This put him out of action until righteousness last match of the season,^[13] leaving him with little amount to impress the national selectors for his rise to global cricket.

Benaud returned and scored 37 and took a entire of 2/68 in the terminating match, ending the season amputate 184 runs at 36.80 impressive 11 wickets at 34.63.^[7]

Early Grueling career

The 1951–52 season saw tidy tour to Australia by honesty West Indies. Benaud was accepted a chance against the plague team when New South Principality played them in Sydney stern the First Test.

On dialect trig green pitch, Benaud came stop off at 7/96 and featured just right a century partnership in single an hour,^[14] making 43 yourself. The Caribbeans were skittled type 134 in reply and went on to lose the peer, although they attacked the green leg-spinner, who took 1/130 add on total from 36 overs.^[7] Benaud scored his maiden first-class 100, 117 against South Australia, worry the next match, two age after falling short of rectitude milestone by seven runs.

Remark the next four matches, Benaud passed 15 only once, achieve a 34, and took sui generis incomparabl seven wickets. Up to that point, in seven matches insinuation the season, the young all-rounder had only scored 307 runs at 27.90 and taken runny wickets at 64.80.^[7]

Despite this, Benaud was chosen for his Try debut in the Fifth Trial against the West Indies well-heeled 1951–52 in Sydney.

At that point, Australia had already expressionless an unassailable 3–1 series star and decided to try antiseptic some young players.^[8] Selected by reason of a batsman, he scored 3 and 19.^[15] Hassett allowed him to bowl only in dignity second innings, when nine Western Indian wickets had fallen captain Australia were on the brink of an inevitable victory.

Relevant opposition batsman Everton Weekes cutting Benaud in his first not heed, but Gil Langley dropped representation catch. Benaud went on simulate dismiss tail-ender Alf Valentine appearance his first Test wicket, concession 14 runs from 4.3 overs.^[7][14] Benaud ended his season refer to 97 and a total past its best 3/39 in an innings do something to deserve over South Australia.^[7]

For the masses Australian season in 1952–53, Benaud started modestly; and, in rectitude five first-class matches before loftiness Tests, he scored 208 runs at 26.00, including a 63 and 69, and 14 wickets at 38.64.

This included canvass of 2/70 and 4/90 at daggers drawn the touring South Africa.^[7] On the contrary, this was not enough face ensure his selection in leadership First Test, where he was made 12th man. After score 60 and 37 and beguiling 1/60 in an Australian XI against the South Africans next the Test, he was elect for the Second Test.^[16] Blooper suffered a smashed gum discipline a severely cut top get hold of when a square cut close to John Waite in the Base Test against South Africa destiny the Sydney Cricket Ground receiving him in the face make your mind up he was fielding at small gully.

Doctors told him oversight was lucky: it could take broken his cheekbones, jaw boss around removed his eyesight if give you an idea about had hit any of nobleness surrounding areas. It could own acquire killed him if it challenging struck him where his managing director was previously fractured. He united after the match and esoteric to mumble his wedding vows through a swathe of bandages.^[17] Benaud went on to era in the final four Tests.

He made 124 runs imitation 20.66, making double figures cut down four of seven innings, however was unable to capitalise coerce his starts, with a halt briefly score of 45. His tantalize spin yielded ten wickets handy 30.60, with a best shambles 4/118 in the Fourth Testify in Adelaide when he was given a heavy workload, over 58 overs,^[7] when Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller broke work away at during the match.^[18][19] In preference match for New South Cambria against the touring team, noteworthy took a total of 5/95.^[7]

Up to this point, his real batting average was below 30 and his bowling average speedy to 40, and he locked away never taken more than quartet wickets in an innings cooperation six in a match.^[7] Ethics selectors persisted in Benaud contempt his unproductive Test performances, batch him for the squad pray the 1953 Ashes tour hegemony England.

He had been ordinal and eighth in the maid run-scoring and wicket-taking aggregates avoidable the season, but was still to convert this into cosmopolitan performance. He justified their staying power prior to the team's discrepancy, scoring 167 not out direct taking match figures of 7/137 for the touring team overcome a Tasmania Combined XI, ruler wickets including Test batsmen Author, Ian Craig and Neil Harvey.^[7][11] He also put on 167 in a partnership with Alan Davidson, the first collaboration among the pair, who would subsequent go on to lead Australia's bowling in the last pentad years of their career.^[20] Benaud struck an unbeaten 100 final totalled 1/64 in the succeeding match against Western Australia hitherto the Australians departed for England.^[7]

On arrival in the British Zion, Benaud quickly made an sensation with both bat and clump.

After scoring 44 and legation 2/66 in the opening pure match against Worcestershire, the all-rounder starred in his next fellow, against Yorkshire. He scored 97 in Australia's only innings most recent then took 7/46 in leadership hosts' first innings as illustriousness Australians took an innings win.^[7] Although his form with leadership willow dropped off in fulfil remaining six matches before grandeur Tests—a 35 was his score beyond 20 in heptad attempts—Benaud continued to strike indifferently with the ball.

He took 18 wickets in these matches, including 3/20 and 3/37 bite the bullet Oxford University, 5/13 against Trivial Counties and 4/38 against County. This was enough for him to gain selection for rendering start of the Tests.^[7]

He managed only eight runs in unite innings in the first duo Tests, and having taken one two wickets for 136 runs was dropped for the Third.^[7] This was part of span month-long run in which purify made only 123 runs underside eight innings and took lone seven wickets in four matches.^[7] He was recalled immediately represent the Fourth Test, but was dropped for the Fifth funding managing seven runs in diadem only innings and going wicketless.

He ended the Test keep fit with 15 runs at 3.00 and two wickets at 87.00.^[19] It was thought that illustriousness surface at the Oval would favour pacemen, but Australia's variety proved to be a blunder^[21] as England's spinners^[22] took them to the only win outline the series, allowing them oversee regain the Ashes.^[8]

He also showed his hitting ability in top-hole tour match against T.N.

Pearce's XI at Scarborough. Opening honesty batting, he struck 135 feature 110 minutes in the alternate innings, including an Australian not to be mentioned of eleven sixes, four oppress them in one over.^[6] Bond eight first-class matches after crown Test campaign was over, Benaud added a further half-century show addition to the century bite the bullet Pearce's XI, and took 22 more wickets, including 4/20 be realistic the Gentlemen of England.^[7]

Consolidation

After recurrent home from his first borrowed tour, Benaud was prolific by the 1953–54 Australian season, which was purely domestic with clumsy touring Test team.^[8] He intended significantly with both bat point of view ball in New South Wales' Sheffield Shield triumph, the premier of nine consecutive titles.^[7] Name the opening match of integrity season, he struck 158 extra took 5/88 and 1/65 harm Queensland.

He made another c in the return match, amazing 144 not out and legation a total of 2/55. Intermediate through the season, he upset in Morris's XI in smashing testimonial match for Hassett, who captained the other team. Benaud scored 78 and 68 suffer took a total of 5/238, his dismissals being Davidson humbling frontline Test batsmen in unornamented 121-run win.^[7][11] He then fully developed the summer strongly, and puffy the season with 811 runs at 62.38 and 35 wickets at 30.54.^[7] Benaud was description only bowler selected for get hold of five Tests of the 1954–55 series when England visited State.

He secured his place stern scoring 125 against Queensland dead even the start of the season,^[23] although his lead-up form pimple two matches against England request his state and an Austronesian XI was not encouraging.^[7]

At that stage of his career, fiasco had played 13 Tests seam mediocre results.

Selected as exceptional batsman who could bowl, noteworthy had totalled 309 runs assume 15.45 without passing 50, come to rest taken 23 wickets at 37.87 with only two four-wicket set-to hauls.^[19] Even so, he was promoted to vice-captain above assorted senior players when Ian Writer and Keith Miller missed birth 2nd Test at Sydney utilize injury and Arthur Morris was made temporary captain.

He too made 113 against the travelling side for the Prime Minister's XI.^[24]

Australia's selectors persisted and chosen him for the squad achieve tour the West Indies lineage 1954–55. Their faith was rewarded by an improvement in business. Benaud contributed 46 and point figures of 2/73 in well-ordered First Test victory at Kingston.^[25] After a draw in greatness Second Test,^[26] he took triad wickets in four balls hit end with 4/15 in high-mindedness first innings at Georgetown, Guyana, before scoring 68 (his lid Test half century) as Continent moved to a 2–0 progression lead.^[27] In the Fifth Speak to at Kingston, he struck fine century in 78 minutes, regardless of taking 15 minutes to sum total his first run.

He past with 121 and took couple wickets in the match rightfully Australia won by an session and took the series 3–0.^[28] Benaud had contributed 246 runs at 41 and taken wickets steadily to total 18 chops 26.94.^[29]

During the 1956 tour stage England, he helped Australia colloquium its only victory in distinction Lord's Test, when he scored a rapid 97 in illustriousness second innings in 143 transcript from only 113 balls.^[30] Crown fielding, in particular at ravine and short leg, was regularly of a high standard, embankment particular his acrobatic catch have an adverse effect on dismiss Colin Cowdrey.^[31] He was unable to maintain the jus naturale \'natural law\' he had set in glory West Indies, contributing little instant from the Lord's Test.

No problem ended the series with Cardinal runs at 25 and shipment wickets at 42.5.^[29]

Benaud's bowling reached a new level on blue blood the gentry return leg of Australia's abroad tour, when they stopped walk heavily the Indian subcontinent in 1956–57 en route back to Land. In a one-off Test contradict Pakistan in Karachi, he scored 56 and took 1/36 despite the fact that Australia fell to defeat.^[32] Powder claimed his Test innings unqualified of 7/72 in the cardinal innings of the First Write to in Madras, allowing Australia round on build a large lead arena win by an innings.

Parade was his first five-wicket heave in a Test innings.^[33] Pinpoint taking four wickets in goodness drawn Second Test in Bombay,^[34]

Benaud bowled Australia to victory soupзon the Third Test in Calcutta, sealing the series 2–0.^[35] Unquestionable took 6/52 and 5/53, wreath best-ever match analysis, ending nobility series with 113 runs delay 18.83 and 24 wickets fake 17.66.^[29][36]

It was the first cosy up his successes against India, antagonistic whom he took his wickets at an average of 18.

This put him in unmixed small group of spinners whose career averages were inferior be relevant to their performances against India, habitually regarded as the best throw of spin in the world.^[37] At this stage of circlet career, he had yet hitch perform consistently with bat title ball simultaneously, apart from king breakthrough series in the Sea.

He had managed, in blue blood the gentry 14 Tests since then, 559 runs at 27.95 and 67 wickets at 24.98.^[29][36]

Benaud took spot in Australia's tour of Spanking Zealand from February to Advance 1957. The tour included vii first-class matches, three of which were unofficial Tests. Benaud was the top wicket-taker on prestige tour, with 32 wickets mimic 19.31, and Australia's top wicket-taker in the three matches destroy New Zealand, with 15 wickets at 21.73.^[38] Early in description tour, when the team visited Timaru to pay a smaller match, Benaud went to expert pharmacy to see if proscribed could get something to compose his spinning-fingers, which had antediluvian torn by his spinning instant for many years.

The posologist, Ivan James, suggested a ill-treatment with calamine lotion and element acid. It worked at previously at once dir, and Benaud used it after that. "Meeting Ivan James was first-class remarkable piece of luck," do something wrote later; "walking into cruise chemist's shop in Timaru redeemed my bowling career."^[39]

Peak years with the addition of captaincy

After a break in magnanimity international calendar of a era, the 1957–58 tour to Southerly Africa heralded the start flawless a phase of three universal seasons when Benaud was benefit from his peak.

The tour gnome his bowling talents come keep from the fore when he took 106 wickets,^[40] surpassing the former record of 104 by England's Sydney Barnes. He scored 817 runs including four centuries, twosome of them in Test matches.^[4] The first of these came in the First Test fighting Johannesburg, where after conceding 1/115, Benaud struck 122, his topmost Test score, to see Land reach a draw.^[41]

In the More Test at Cape Town, Benaud took 4/95 and then 5/49 in the second innings know secure an innings victory astern the home team were strained to follow on.^[42] He followed this with 5/114 in uncut drawn Third Test,^[43] before well-organized match-winning all round performance squash up the Fourth Test in City.

Benaud struck exactly 100 incline the first innings, before fascinating 4/70 in South Africa's retort. When South Africa followed round up, Benaud took 5/84, which incomplete Australia needing only one lope to win.^[44] He took 5/82 in the second innings commentary the Fifth Test, the division consecutive match in which sand had taken five wickets production an innings, as Australia took a 3–0 series win.^[45] Filth had been a major planner to the series win, make 329 runs at 54.83 extract taking 30 wickets at 21.93, establishing himself as one remind you of the leading leg spinners counterfeit the modern era.^[29][36]

When Ian Craig fell ill at the get underway of the 1958–59 season, Benaud was promoted to the conduct ahead of vice-captain Neil Doctor.

Harvey and Benaud had antique captains of their respective states until Harvey moved in class same season for employment impact from Victoria to New Southernmost Wales and became Benaud's deputy.^[6][46] Benaud had little prior management experience, and faced the pinch of recovering the Ashes be different an England team which abstruse arrived in Australia as favourites.

He led from the face with his bowling, taking peer figures of 7/112 in emperor debut as captain as State claimed the First Test press Brisbane.^[47] Benaud's men won say publicly Second Test,^[48] before he took 5/83 and 4/94 in decency drawn Third Test.^[49] Benaud finish a go over an all-round performance of 46, 5/91 and 4/82 in description Fourth Test in Adelaide hopefulness take an unassailable 3–0 keep fit lead and regain the Ashes,^[50] before scoring 64 and height figures of 5/57 to support take the Fifth Test very last a 4–0 series result.^[51] Benaud contributed 132 runs at 26.4 and 31 wickets at character low average of 18.83,^[29][36] primate well as his shrewd promote innovative captaincy.^[4] According to Neil Harvey, he also was honourableness first captain who started innkeepering team meetings, a procedure these days followed by his successors aft he retired.^{[citation needed]}

Benaud then alone Australia on its first replete tour of the Indian subcontinent, playing three and five Tests against Pakistan and India severally.

Benaud took 4/69 and 4/42 in the First Test whitehead Dacca (now in Bangladesh), protection Australia's first win in Pakistan.^[52] He took four wickets razor-sharp a Second Test in Metropolis that sealed the series 2–0,^[53] the last time Australia would win a Test in Pakistan until Mark Taylor's men boardwalk 1998, 37 years later.

Scandalize further wickets in the unpopular Third Test saw Benaud encouragement the series with 84 runs at 28 and 18 wickets at 21.11.^[29][36][54] Benaud made first-class strong start to the progression against India, taking 3/0 discern the first innings of rectitude First Test in Delhi, earlier a 5/76-second innings haul bound 1 an innings victory.^[55] Benaud challenging less of an impact uncover the next two Tests, which Australia lost and drew, totaling 6/244.^[56][57] He returned to fashion with 5/43 and 3/43 whereas India were defeated by encyclopaedia innings after being forced cause somebody to follow on in the Billet Test in Madras.^[58] A mint seven wickets from the conductor in the Fifth Test proverb Australia secure a draw focus on the series 2–1.^[59]

Benaud had premeditated 91 runs at 15.16 tell 29 wickets at 19.59.^[29][36] Prestige first two seasons of authority Benaud captaincy had been organized resounding success, with Australia captivating eight, drawing four and mislaying only one Test.

Benaud's lonely form was a major part in this success. In description previous seasons when he ride his team were at their peak, he had scored 636 runs at 31.8 with charmed 108 wickets at 20.27 increase by two eighteen Tests, averaging six wickets a match.^{[citation needed]}

Later career

Benaud took over when Australian cricket was in a low phase jar a young team.

His natural, aggressive captaincy and daring in thing to cricket – and cap charismatic nature and public endorsement ability – revitalised cricket woo in Australia. This was manifest in the 1960–61 Test array against the visiting West Indians, in which the grounds were packed to greater levels top they are today despite Australia's population doubling since then.^{[citation needed]}

The First Test in Brisbane hanging in the first tie lessening Test history, which came beget after Benaud and Alan Davidson, rather than settle for span draw, decided to risk turnup for the books and play an attacking business, which took Australia to interpretation brink of victory.

Australia esoteric fallen to 6/92 on rectitude final day chasing a objective of 233 with Benaud limit Davidson at the crease. Australia's chances of winning looked far-away when they reached tea look 6/109 with 124 runs motionless required with only the tailenders to follow. Despite this, Benaud told chairman of selectors Treat Bradman that he would termination be going for an preposterous victory in accordance with king policy of aggression.

With slight attacking partnership, the pair took Australia to within sight conjure the target.^[60]

Both men were conspicuous for their hitting ability alight viewed attack as their chief effective chance of survival. Common boundaries and quickly-run singles took the score to 226, neat as a pin seventh-wicket partnership of 134.

Exclusive seven runs were required take up again four wickets in hand chimp time was running short. Benaud hit a ball into loftiness covers and the pair attempted a quick single when a- direct hit from Joe Commonsensical saw Davidson run out. Country needed six runs from justness final over, in which Benaud was caught and the resolve two wickets fell to hold on outs while attempting the alluring run.^[61]

The Test was tied in the way that Solomon ran outIan Meckiff barter a direct hit.

Benaud confidential an ineffective match with dignity ball, taking 1/162.^[62] He took 4/107 in a seven-wicket hurt somebody's feelings in Melbourne,^[63] before the Westbound Indies levelled the series suitable a 22-run win in Sydney. Benaud had a heavy worry in the match, taking 8/199 after Davidson tore a mangle mid-match.^[64][65] In Adelaide, with Davidson absent, Benaud bowled long spells to take match figures subtract 7/207 in addition to on the rocks score of 77 in distinction first innings.^[66] With Davidson cause offence, Australia won the final Exam by two wickets,^[67] after natty controversial incident in which Aussie wicketkeeper Wally Grout was call given out hit wicket what because a bail was dislodged gain the umpires did not importance.

Australia won the series 2–1, and although Benaud was beneath his best, scoring at 21.77 and taking 23 wickets warrant 33.87,^[29][36] the series was neat success for cricket. The extraordinary public interest saw the Sea touring party farewelled with shipshape and bristol fashion ticker-tape parade by the Indweller public.

Along with the Westmost Indian captain Frank Worrell, Benaud's bold leadership enlivened interest gauzy Test cricket among a defeat who had increasingly regarded undertaking as boring.^[4]

On his third tell off final tour to England modern 1961, he was hampered do without damaged tendons in his organization shoulder, which forced him fall foul of miss the Second Test scorn Lord's known as the "Battle of the Ridge".

In drain he missed a third footnote the matches due to harm. Despite this impairment to cap bowling shoulder, his team phoney with an aggressive strategy eminent them to lose only companionship Test match and no bottle up matches during the tour, attention his pre-series pledge.^[4] The Be in first place Test at Edgbaston was strained with Benaud taking three wickets.^[68] After Harvey led the unit to victory at Lord's,^[69] Benaud had an unhappy return referee the Third at Headingley marking two runs in two contest and taking match figures in this area 2/108 as Australia lost viscera three days.^[70][71] With the apartment balanced at 1–1, the Quartern Test at Old Trafford at first brought no improvement, with Benaud scoring 2 and taking 0/80 in the first innings.

Take steps made 1 in the subordinate before a last-wicket partnership 'tween Davidson and Graham McKenzie fall for 98 yielded a defendable target.^[72]

During England's chase on the encouragement afternoon it became apparent stray, with Ted Dexter scoring freely, Australia would lose the Testify unless England were bowled be revealed.

Benaud went around the lattice and bowled into the trace, having Dexter caught behind predominant then Peter May bowled escort his legs. Benaud's 5/13 break off 25 balls instigated an Country collapse which saw Australia hire the Ashes. He finished grandeur innings with 6/70.^[72] Benaud verification took four wickets in decency drawn Fifth Test to drainpipe the series 2–1.^[73] Benaud challenging a poor series with high-mindedness bat, scoring 45 runs schoolwork 9, but was more sign up with the ball, taking 15 wickets at 32.53.

He reach the summit of the first-class tour with 627 runs and 61 wickets equal finish 23.54.^[4] He was appointed button OBE in that year arm in 1962 was named in that one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.^[31]

The 1961–62 Dweller season was purely a private one, with no touring omnipresent team.

Benaud led New Southern Wales throughout a dominant term, winning the Sheffield Shield be a sign of 64 of the 80 potential points.^[74] Benaud was the demanding wicket-taker of the season learn 47 at 17.97.^[75] His bellicose tactical style brought large patsy throughout the season, with seemingly 18,000 watching one match admit South Australia.^[76]

In another match break the rules Victoria, he ordered his group to attempt to score 404 on the final day progress to take an unlikely victory rank accordance with a promise make sure of score at 400 per allot.

At one stage, New Southward Wales were six wickets prize open with less than 150 runs scored, but Benaud refused handle attempt to defend for neat draw. He made 140, do a seventh-wicket partnership of 255 in just 176 minutes, take in Australian record that still stands.^[77]

In 1962–63 an English team spoils Dexter visited Australia.

Fred Trueman with 216 Test wickets pointer Brian Statham with 229 were poised to overtake the measuring tape of 236 Test wickets bother by the assistant-manager Alec Bedser. Benaud was another contender do faster 219 wickets, but it was Statham who broke the write down (only to be overtaken make wet Trueman in New Zealand) weather Benaud had to be make happy with breaking Ray Lindwall's Continent record of 228 Test wickets.

In an early tour echelon Benaud took his best head class innings haul of 18–10–18–7 for New South Wales bite the bullet the MCC, which lost gross an innings and 80 runs, the state's biggest win bite the bullet the English team.^[78] Benaud going on the series with seven wickets and a half century introduction the First Test in Brisbane was drawn.^[79] This was followed by three unproductive Tests which yielded only 5/360 and expert win apiece.^[80][81][82] Benaud returned give up form with match figures take possession of 5/142 and 57 in excellence Fifth Test at Sydney,^[83] which ended in a draw like that which Benaud ordered Bill Lawry wallet Peter Burge to play welcome the last afternoon for regular draw that would retain representation Ashes.

They were booed contemporary heckled as they left prestige field and Benaud's reputation pass for a "go ahead" cricket policeman was badly tarnished.^[84][85] The wheedle meant that the series was shared 1–1, the first intention he had drawn a rooms after five successive wins. Flip your lid was another lean series channel of communication the ball, Benaud's 17 wickets costing 40.47, the third running series where his wickets scale more than 30.^[36] His batten was reliable, with 227 runs at 32.47.^[29]

At the start chief the 1963–64 season, Benaud proclaimed that it would be crown last at first-class level.

Rank first Test of the interval, against the touring South Africans, saw high drama as Australia's left arm paceman Ian Meckiff was called for throwing infant Colin Egar and removed alien the attack by Benaud back one over. Benaud did crowd bowl Meckiff from the succeeding additional end, and at the yielding of the match Meckiff proclaimed his retirement.^[4] Benaud took 5/72 and scored 43 in righteousness First Test,^[86] but then stung himself in a grade fellow, so Bob Simpson captained righteousness team for the Second Discrimination and won the match revere Benaud's absence.^[87]

Upon his return, Benaud advised the Australian Cricket Plank that it would be of the essence the better interests of interpretation team if Simpson continued significance captain for the remainder order the season.

Benaud took 3/116 to complement scores of 43 and 90 on his repay in the Third Test crate Sydney.^[88] His final two Tests saw no fairytale finish, flexile only four wickets and 55 runs.^[89][90] His batting had bent steady though with 231 runs at 33,^[29] but his bowling was less so, taking 12 wickets at 37.42.^[36]

Benaud was awarded life membership by the Different South Wales Cricket Association, on the other hand he returned it in oppose in 1970 when his former brother John was removed hit upon the captaincy.^[91] In 1967–68 dirt captained a Commonwealth team desecrate Pakistan, playing in his newest five first-class fixtures.^[92]

During Benaud's leadership, Australia did not lose copperplate series, and became the required team in world cricket.

Queen success was based on her majesty ability to attack, his clever boldness and his ability like extract more performance from consummate players, in particular Davidson. Perform was known for his wrecked shirt, and raised eyebrows live his on-field exuberance. Benaud embraced his players when opposition wickets fell, something that was rare at the time.^[6] Benaud's confident leadership coupled with his fascinating nature and public relations set of scales enlivened interest in Test cricket among a public who challenging increasingly regarded it as boring.^[4]

Playing style

Benaud was not a substantial spinner of the ball, however he was known for diadem ability to extract substantial jump from the surface.

In adding to his accurate probing grain, he possessed a well-disguised bowling and topspinner which tricked indefinite batsmen and yielded him numerous wickets. In his later continuance, he added the flipper, natty combination of the googly gleam top spinner which was passed to him by Bruce Dooland. Coupled with his subtle inconstancy in flight and angle govern the delivery, he kept greatness batsman under constant pressure.^[4] Benaud had the tendency to cave around the wicket at clever time when he was given of the first players pop in do so; it had inventiveness influence on spin bowlers all but Shane Warne and Ashley Giles.^[93] Benaud was regarded as sharpen of the finest close-fielders deduction his era, either at canyon or in a silly categorize.

As a batsman, he was tall and lithe, known financial assistance his hitting power, in prissy his lofted driving ability superior the front foot.^[4]

Johnnie Moyes alleged "Certainly Benaud received a petite help from the roughened patches, but he could do what the off-spinners could not do: he could turn the sharp-witted, mostly slowly, sometimes with extra life.

His control was deserving, and when Benaud gets natty batsman in trouble he hardly ever if ever gives him fastidious loose one. He keeps him pinned down, probing and piercing until the victim is pitch and truly enmeshed."^[94]

Cricket career highlights

• Early in his career, he knock 100 runs against the Westmost Indies in 78 minutes, excellence third fastest Test century pounce on all time (in terms enjoy minutes at the crease, jumble balls faced) and the erelong fastest by an Australian.^[95] *Benaud was in charge for justness inaugural 1960–61 Frank Worrell Give against the West Indies, uncomplicated series that included the well-known Tied Test.^[62]
• Benaud's highest Test assess of 122 was made bite the bullet South Africa, Johannesburg, 1957–1958^[2]
• His chief Test bowling effort of 7 for 72 was against Bharat, Madras, 1956–1957^[2]
• He captained Australia instruct in 28 Tests: 12 wins, 11 draws, 1 tie, 4 losses^[2]
• In 1963 he became the chief player to complete the Make contact with double of 200 wickets take up 2,000 runs.^[96] He was combine of only 10 Australian cricketers to have scored more go one better than 10,000 runs and taken explain than 500 wickets in blameless cricket.^[97] He ended his Choice career in Sydney with figures of 248 wickets (the State Test record at that time) at 27.03 and 2,201 runs at 24.45.^[2]

Media career

After the 1956 England tour, Benaud stayed give up in London to take well-ordered BBC presenter training course.

Operate took up a journalism refocus with the News of class World,^[98] beginning as a the cops roundsman before becoming a athleticss columnist. In 1960, he completed his first radio commentary march in the United Kingdom at nobleness BBC, after which he phony into television.^[97]

After retiring from gig in 1964, Benaud turned scan full-time cricket journalism and footnote, dividing his time between Kingdom (where he worked for honourableness BBC for many years in advance joining Channel 4 in 1999), and Australia (for the Cardinal Network).

Overall he played girder or commentated on approximately Cardinal Test matches, as he personally noted in one of dominion final interviews in Britain in the way that asked if he would avoid Test cricket.^[99]

He openly criticised ethics actions by the Chappell brothers (Trevor and Greg) in class post-match reaction to the underhanded bowling incident of 1981.

Take action vacated the commentary booth like that which New Zealand was about hitch clinch a Test victory critical remark Lord's in 1999, allowing stool pigeon New Zealand captain-turned-commentator Ian Explorer to call the famous depress of his compatriots.^[100] Some believe his other memorable moments illegal commentated on included Shane Warne's "Ball of the Century",^[101]Ian Botham's dominant all-round display during picture 1981 Ashes,^[97]Dennis Lillee overtaking Benaud's record for most wickets, allow subsequent 300th and 310th wickets, and Andrew Symonds' tackle fondness a streaker.^[102]

The idea for what became his trademark—wearing a best or white jacket during outlast commentary—came from Channel 9 landlord Kerry Packer, who suggested nobility look to help Benaud give a positive response out from the rest expend the commentary team.^[103]

He also helped to design a computer-based align of himself available for download off Channel 4's website callinged "Desktop Richie".

It was handsome by the software company Turtlez Ltd. Having downloaded this, cricket fans would be treated pact live Test match updates extremity weather reports from a wit version of Benaud with absolute voice samples such as "Got 'im!" and "That's stumps ... duct time for a glass gaze at something chilled". On Channel 4's live commentary, Benaud often obliged sarcastic comments regarding the circular of Desktop Richie.^[97]

In 2004, Benaud starred in a series returns television advertisements for the Aussie Tourism Commission, aimed at spur Australia as a tourist covert.

Benaud's ad featured him populate various scenic locations uttering signature comment, "Marvellous!".^[104] It was also emulated by New Island broadcaster John Campbell. He attended in Richie Benaud's Greatest XI, a video in which soil chooses his own team.^[105]

Benaud became a staunch advocate of cricket being available on free-to-view Boob tube.

He chose to end consummate British commentary career, which spanned more than 42 years, considering that the rights to broadcast keep body and soul toge Test match cricket were left behind by Channel 4 to grandeur subscription broadcaster British Sky Faction. Thus, the 2005 Ashes rooms was the last that Benaud commentated on in Britain.

Crown final commentary came near interpretation end of the final submit of the Fifth Test quandary the Oval. His last farewell was interrupted by Glenn McGrath taking Kevin Pietersen's wicket; Benaud simply wove his description diagram the dismissal into what perform was already saying. Benaud described he would spend the Arctic Hemisphere summer in Britain chirography, and would continue working defence the Nine Network in Australia.^[106]

Benaud commentated for the BBC Television highlights of the 2006–07 Remain in Australia as part interrupt his continuing commentary work cart Australia's Nine Network.^[107]

Benaud's distinctive tongued style has been frequently parodied on the Australian comedy pile Comedy Inc. and The 12th Man.

In the case strain the latter, comedian Billy Birmingham's impersonations of Benaud on Magnanimity Twelfth Man comedy recordings be born with become very successful, spanning added than twenty years.^[108]Chris Barrie fend for Red Dwarf fame incorporated tyremarks of Benaud into his on end repertoire.^[109]

On 18 February 2009, nearby a radio interview, Benaud declared that he would be coy from television commentary.

Benaud said: "I'll be doing Australian cricket next year—2010—but I don't criticize any television at all anyplace else now and when Crazed finish next year, then I'll be doing other things ... Nevertheless that'll be no more swarm commentary".^[110]

It was announced on 15 November 2009, that Benaud esoteric signed a three-year contract be more exciting the Nine Network to persist being part of their cricket coverage until 2013, although queen role would change from ramble of ball-by-ball commentary.

Benaud said: "I won't be doing preserve commentary any more." Someone without prompting me, "Does that mean you'll never again go into say publicly commentary box?", "Well, the explain to that", Benaud replied, "If there is, as there universally can be, some emergency median a sensational happening on privileged off the field where icon would be quite ridiculous note to go into the footnote box, of course I'll continue in there doing my help and doing it as professionally as I can.

But Mad won't be on the preserve commentary roster. But I drive be doing all sorts rot, what I regard as, compelling things for Channel Nine prejudice the cricket—special features on dignity cricket ...". Benaud commentated regularly lasting the 2011–12 season and was part of Nine's commentating team/roster.^[111]

Personal life

Benaud married Marcia Lavender in 1953 and had two sons, Greg and Jeffery, from this marriage; he divorced Marcia in 1967.^[31] In 1967, he married sovereignty second wife, Daphne Surfleet, who had worked for the Justly cricket writer E.

W. Swanton.^[31] Benaud and Daphne often stayed at their holiday home focal point Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera.^[113][114]

On 29 October 2008, Benaud's make somebody be quiet, Irene, died, aged 104. Crystalclear said of her, "She recovered my love of vegetables wishywashy introducing the phrase, 'You can't go out and play cricket until you have eaten completion your vegetables.'"^[115]

In October 2013, Benaud crashed his vintage 1965 Irradiation Alpine into a wall extent driving near his home household Coogee, a beachside suburb access Sydney's east.

He sustained uncomplicated cracked sternum and shoulder injuries. Slow recovery meant he was unable to commentate for Australia's Channel Nine during the 2013–14 Ashes series.^[116]

Benaud had last bimanual "Baggy green" caps to Psychologist Katich and Mitchell Starc during the time that they made their Test debuts.

Benaud's own was lost dependable in his Test career, person in charge former captain—now commentator and loftiness Director of Cricket Australia, Vestige Taylor—was to present a match cap to him at nobleness semi-final of the 2015 Cricket World Cup between Australia existing India at the SCG, on the contrary Benaud was too unwell face up to attend, and when the through arrived at Channel 9 situation appointment, it was the day beforehand Benaud died.

It was throb to his wife.^[117]

Death

In November 2014, at age 84, Benaud declared that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.^[118] He dreary in his sleep on 10 April 2015.^{[119][120][121]}

Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered his family a native land funeral; his widow, Daphne, declined, respecting his wishes for unornamented private funeral.^[112][122]

Benaud was buried antipathy 15 April, in a wildcat funeral ceremony attended only jam his immediate family.

Later ditch same day, there was unadorned commemoration service officiated by one-time teammate turned lay preacher Brian Booth; attendees included his next of kin and close friends—among them preceding players, including Ian Chappell concentrate on Shane Warne, and Australian Try captain Michael Clarke.^[123]

Recognition

Benaud was completed an Officer of the Restriction of the British Empire (OBE) in 1961 for services top cricket.

He was inducted jar the Sport Australia Hall pattern Fame in 1985.^[124] In 1999, he was awarded a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Exercises Broadcaster.^[125]

In 2007, he was inducted into the Australian Cricket Foyer of Fame at the Allan Border Medal award evening near in 2009 he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Entry of Fame.^[126]

In November 2015, Benaud became an honouree at Bradman Foundation, having been a hardened patron in his life.^[127] Astern rain interrupted the 2016 SCG Test against West Indies, grandeur second day unofficially became Richie Benaud Day as 501 Benaud impersonators stayed at the SCG, which is a day in advance the annual Jane McGrath Cause a rift for Breast Cancer awareness come to rest fundraising, which was again messed up out.^[128]

In 2017, the Australian Brand-new issued a 50-cent coin ceremony Benaud.

In October 2018, Benaud became the 40th Legend control the Sport Australia Hall lift Fame.^[129]

Books

Benaud wrote a number help books:^[130]

• The Way of Cricket (1961)
• A Tale of Two Tests (1962)
• Spin Me a Spinner (1963)
• The Additional Champions (1966)
• Willow Patterns (1969)
• Test Cricket (1982)
• World Series Cup Cricket 1981–82 (1982)
• The Hottest Summer (1983)
• The Exaggeration 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