SYDNEY: Former Australian captain Richie Benaud, whose peerless commentary made him the beloved “voice of cricket” to fans around the world following a stellar on-field career, has died aged 84.

Benaud, one of Australia’s most influential cricketers and television personalities, died peacefully overnight in his sleep, his family said.

He had been fighting skin cancer and suffered serious injury in a car accident in late 2013.

“A sad day for Australia,” tweeted Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who offered a state funeral to Benaud’s family.

Flags flew at half-mast, including over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The gates were thrown open at the Sydney Cricket Ground where Benaud played and mourners laid flowers around his giant bronze statue.

“We have lost a cricketing champion and Australian icon. What an innings. RIP Richie Benaud,” Abbott said.

Benaud last captained Australia against South Africa in the 1963-64 series and went on to become a legend as one of cricket’s best known characters and broadcasters.

A pioneer of entertaining, attacking cricket, the veteran of 63 Tests was the first player to score 2,000 Test runs and take 200 Test wickets. Australia never lost a series under the leg-spinning all-rounder’s captaincy, which ran for 28 games from 1958.

A flamboyant player, Benaud moved into commentary, first with the BBC in England, where he was as well known as in Australia for his dry wit and distinctive style.

“My mantra is: put your brain into gear and if you can add to what’s on the screen then do it, otherwise shut up,” Benaud said, looking back at his success. “The key thing was to learn the value of economy with words and to never insult the viewer by telling them what they can already see.”

He could also turn a vivid phrase and was inspired by an Ian Botham six during the 1981 Ashes Test at Headingley, part of one of the greatest series ever.

“Don’t bother looking for that, let alone chasing it,” Benaud commentated. “It’s gone straight into the confectionery stall and out again.”

He also played a key role in the formation of Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket that revolutionised the professional game in the 1970s, and anchored the billionaire’s Channel Nine cricket coverage for decades.

Tributes poured in from around the nation for Benaud, who was born in Penrith, in western Sydney, in 1930.

The Australian flag is lowered at half mast for Richie Benaud at the SCG on Friday.—AFP

“My vintage, we grew up with that voice,” said current Australian captain Michael Clarke. “He was a great player and a great captain. A wonderful leader of men and he continued that off the field,” Clarke added.

“He loved winning. He helped the Australian team have the attitude where they wanted to win. He played the game the right way.”

Benaud took 248 Test wickets at an average of 27.03 and had a highest score of 122 in a remarkable career that saw him take five wickets 16 times.

Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar called his passing a “great loss to the world of cricket”.

Tendulkar said on Twitter Benaud brought “great insights on the game” and that he had fond memories of talking with him and his fellow Australian bowler Shane Warne about the art of leg spin.

Warne left an emotional tribute on Instagram praising Benaud as a hero and “the godfather of cricket”.

Another former Australia captain, Steve Waugh, said Benaud was “irreplaceable. “ “He was unique as he covered all facets of the game, as a player, a commentator, an administrator and a writer. His legacy to the game will always live on.”

International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson saluted the “stellar” lifetime of one cricket’s “most beloved sons”.

“Richie was a true legend, charismatic but always the perfect sportsman and gentleman,” he said.

Ex-England cricketer Jonathan Agnew, who like Benaud in years past worked on BBC’s Test Match Special, described him as a “true one-off”.

“He was quite simply peerless. Nobody else had his authority, popularity and skill. He had this unique style -- the choice of words, how he delivered them, the way he looked -- and it all came together to make him one of the most recognisable people on television.”

Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said: “Richie stood at the top of the game throughout his rich life, first as a record-breaking leg-spinner and captain, and then as cricket’s most famous broadcaster who became the iconic voice of our summer.”

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said: “Richie was truly one of the game’s greats.”

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan stated: “Saddened by the death of Richie Benaud, one of the greatest cricketing brains.”

Ex-Pakistan Test fast bowler Wasim Akram said: “The Voice of Cricket and a truly great man. Thank you for everything you gave us. You will be missed by so many.”

Sri Lanka Test batsman Kumar Sangakkara expressed: “So sad to hear about the passing of Richie Benaud. The great voice of cricket is no more. He defined an era with conviction and sincerity.”

Former Australia Test pacer Glenn McGrath said: “Very sad news about Richie Benaud. A legend of Australian cricket & the commentary box. We’ve lost a true Aussie icon.”

Dean Jones, ex-Australian batsman, said: “A part of cricket died today.”

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson paid tribute: “Respected and looked up to by all, you will be sorely missed #Legend Vale Richie Benaud.”

Australia opener David Warner stated: “Sad to hear the passing of the voice of cricket, great player and a true gentleman.”

“A truly great person, you will always be remembered for what you gave to this world,” said Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: “Our thoughts are with the family & friends of legendary former Australia captain & cricket commentator Richie Benaud who has died aged 84.”

New Zealand Cricket announced: “NZC is sad to hear that one of the game’s great personalities Richie Benaud has passed away at the age of 84.”

Benaud’s popularity and catchphrase “marvellous” propelled him into advertising and he was the mainstay in Australian television commentary before announcing in November 2014 that he had skin cancer.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2015

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