MELBOURNE, Feb 4: Legendary commentator and former Australia captain Richie Benaud will be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at the 2007 Allan Border Medal here on Monday night.

The champion leg-spinner and Charles Macartney will be in illustrious company, joining 25 predecessors in the Hall of Fame, which was established in 1996.

“It is a great privilege to be inducted to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame which, in my view, is the most prestigious of its kind in the sporting world,” Benaud said in a statement released on Sunday.

Benaud, who claimed 248 wickets in 63 Tests and hit three centuries, was thrilled to be inducted with Macartney.

Macartney was a fine batsman in the early 1900s, averaging 41.78 with the bat in 35 Tests, as well as being a useful finger spinner.

“Of particular pleasure is that I am listed with Charlie Macartney, one of the greats of the game,” the 76-year-old Benaud said.—AFP