A pioneering leg-spin bowler, Benaud played in 63 Tests, 28 as captain, before retiring in. Tributes have been pouring in from around the world following the news of Benaud's death. 'It's very different to what it is like now. Marcia Benaud, a gracious lady with a merry laugh and good sense of humour (pictured with son Greg, 60, at their Central Coast home) spoke with affection and sadness about her marriage to cricketing legend Richie, Greg Benaud (pictured), the elder son of cricketing legend Richie, was an off-break and then leg-spin bowler encouraged by his Dad. Benaud returned and scored 37 and took a total of 2/68 in the final match, ending the season with 184 runs at 36.80 and 11 wickets at 34.63. After such an impressive playing career, he became even better known as a prolific author, columnist and commentator on cricket. He scored 817 runs including four centuries, two of them in Test matches. [7], On arrival in the British Isles, Benaud quickly made an impression with both bat and ball. Benaud took 3/116 to complement scores of 43 and 90 on his return in the Third Test in Sydney. [75] His aggressive tactical style brought large crowds throughout the season, with almost 18,000 watching one match against South Australia. Marcia said that from time to time when people inquired about her name, she would quietly respond that yes, she was the first Mrs Richie Benaud. Over the first years of their marriage, Benaud would tour overseas with the Australian cricket team to the West Indies, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa. His career in television then took off, while his contract with the News of the World was to proceed for half a century until the paper closed in 2011. Australian Cricket Commentator Richie Benaud Dies at 84 | Time Some famous Benaud phrases and one-liners: "It's gone straight into the confectionary stall and out again"", "And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just ninety-eight runs short of his century", Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said Benaud was "the iconic voice of our summer", while the Australian government has. On Channel 4's live commentary, Benaud often made sarcastic comments regarding the advertisement of Desktop Richie. The best of his career hung principally on the exhilharating Test series of 1960-61, when he captained Australia against the visiting West Indies side led by Frank Worrell. Richie Benaud Dead: Legendary Cricket Commentator Dies At 84 He is survived by Daphne, by his sons, and by his brother, John. "Richie was not just a great cricket commentator, he was one of the finest sports commentators of his generation," said Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport. As per theguardian.com, Richie Benaud's Cause of Death was revealed that he died of Skin cancer. Oscar Cainer tells all. 'I thought when he retired we would be a family together again,' she said. Against Len Huttons dominant England tourists in 1954-55 he again did little with bat or ball, just as he struggled in 1956 on his second tour of England, the Lords Test apart: having taken a memorably sharp reflex catch in the gully to dismiss Colin Cowdrey, Benaud was at his cavalier best in an innings of 97, ended by a top edge as he tried to reach his hundred in the grand manner by hooking Fred Trueman. With an attacking partnership, the pair took Australia to within sight of the target. On a green pitch which was struck by a downpour on the opening day, Benaud's spin was not used by Arthur Morris, and he failed to make an impression with the bat in his only innings, scoring only two. He showed the prowess of his captaincy during a 1960-61 Test series against West Indies, that had seemed to have bagged the first Test as Australia struggled at 92/6 when chasing a target of 233. 'Daphne has been kind and fair over the years to me and has welcomed me, even when it was undeserved on my part,' Greg said. What an innings. Afterwards, they flew to Adelaide where Richie took part in the fourth Test. Richie Benaud dies aged 84 - rolling reaction - the Guardian Craig had fallen ill, and just when the senior player, Neil Harvey, was expected to succeed to the leadership, Benauds name was announced. They are Richie Benaud's secret first family, whose lives are far removed from the glittering sporting career the cricket legend led in the media spotlight before his death in April. [19] It was thought that the surface at the Oval would favour pacemen, but Australia's selection proved to be a blunder[21] as England's spinners[22] took them to the only win of the series, allowing them to regain the Ashes. The tour included seven first-class matches, three of which were unofficial Tests. In a one-off Test against Pakistan in Karachi, he scored 56 and took 1/36 as Australia fell to defeat. Benaud was the first player to score 2,000 Test runs and take 200 Test wickets yet was as renowned for his captaincy. The world of sport reacts to the news that former Australia captain and broadcaster Richie Benaud died overnight at the age of 84. He played three Tests against South Africa in 1963-64 under his successor as captain, Simpson, whacking a memorable 90 on his home ground, Sydney, having calmly endured the trauma at the start of the season of captaining for the last time while his key fast bowler, Ian Meckiff, was repeatedly called by umpire Colin Egar for throwing. Benaud often spoke of a return to commentary but, to the great sadness of his legions of admirers, it did not materialise. BBC Radio 5 live pays tribute to Richie Benaud. Benaud scored 78 and 68 and took a total of 5/238, his dismissals being Davidson and frontline Test batsmen in a 121-run win. Voice of Cricket Richie Benaud Dies at 84 - NDTV.com Richie Benaud's widow, ex-wife and son settle estate dispute [47] Benaud's men won the Second Test,[48] before he took 5/83 and 4/94 in the drawn Third Test. [30] His fielding, in particular at gully and short leg, was consistently of a high standard, in particular his acrobatic catch to dismiss Colin Cowdrey. It was his first five-wicket haul in a Test innings. He came from a cricket family, with his younger brother John Benaud also going on to become an Australian Test cricketer. Richie Benaud - Wikipedia Greg Benaud said he and brother Jeffrey met Australian Test players, such as Alan Davidson and Arthur Morris, who his father invited round for team meetings in the garage of the Beecroft home, 'starting off with Davo leading a prayer and then they would discuss tactics and show 8mm home moves of games'. Doctors told him he was lucky: it could have broken his cheekbones, jaw or removed his eyesight if it had hit any of the surrounding areas. Some tedious contests had been inflicted on the watching public, with more to follow in the 1960s. Greg said that instead of cricket he chose to study architecture after leaving school in 1972, but never finished his degree 'for various reasons I can't talk about' said he had 'worked at various things, any job'. However, cricketers like Shane Warne, Ian Chappell, Michael Clarke among several others visited his commemoration service on the same day. ", Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkaraexternal-link added: "So sad to hear about the passing of Richie Benaud. He added another fifty and ended with 250 runs at 31.25. [4] The First Test at Edgbaston was drawn with Benaud taking three wickets. It was not the first time he had been hospitalised by a blow to the head. Benaud died late on Thursday . Benaud's ad featured him in various scenic locations uttering his signature comment, "Marvellous!". In an early tour match Benaud took his best first class innings haul of 1810187 for New South Wales against the MCC, which lost by an innings and 80 runs, the state's biggest win against the English team. Marcia gave birth to their first son Greg in 1955, and Jeffery in 1958. [125] In 1999, he was awarded a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Sports Broadcaster. At Adelaide, a nation was brought to a standstill during a long, pulsating last-wicket stand between Ken Mackay and the near-hopeless No 11 Lindsay Kline as they secured an unlikely draw for Australia. [16] He suffered a smashed gum and a severely cut top lip when a square cut by John Waite in the Third Test against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground hit him in the face while he was fielding at short gully. Richie Benaud - Bio, Personal Life, Family & Cause Of Death - CelebsAges Its one of those things in life: you live and learn as you go along.. Coupled with his subtle variations in flight and angle of the delivery, he kept the batsman under constant pressure. Marcia Benaud spoke of her past with Richie with laughter and tears, but said although she believed he should have never left their marriage she has made a life of contentment, politely responding that she was 'the first wife' if people asked about her name, Richie Benaud, pictured shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth II, before the start of play during his Test cricket years, which his first wife Marcia said led to some delightful occasions, including her invitation to dine with the Queen on the Britannia when in Sydney. [citation needed], The First Test in Brisbane ended in the first tie in Test history, which came about after Benaud and Alan Davidson, rather than settle for a draw, decided to risk defeat and play an attacking partnership, which took Australia to the brink of victory. She kept me informed so that I knew when Dad was sick. He loved winning. [4] Benaud had the tendency to bowl around the wicket at a time when he was one of the first players to do so; it had an influence on spin bowlers like Shane Warne and Ashley Giles. [78] Benaud started the series with seven wickets and a half century as the First Test in Brisbane was drawn. Greg remembers him filing newspaper stories down the phone to copytakers and instructing them to wait until he read it back, 'reading it back on 5-4-3-2-1'. Flags flew at half-mast at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Benauds home as a first-class cricketer for New South Wales, and flowers were laid at his statue at the venue. He also made 113 against the touring side for the Prime Minister's XI. Death date: 10 April, 2015, Friday. He was shrewd not only from the weight of experience but in the cautious way he rationed opinions. The unprecedented public interest saw the Caribbean touring party farewelled with a ticker-tape parade by the Australian public. 'We have been comfortable and had a contented life here,' she said. [72], During England's chase on the final afternoon it became apparent that, with Ted Dexter scoring quickly, Australia would lose the Test unless England were bowled out. He played the game the right way., Our country has lost a national treasure, Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said in a statement. EXCLUSIVE: Head teacher of leading grammar school is sacked for sending parents a list of striking teachers. [4], On his third and final tour to England in 1961, he was hampered by damaged tendons in his right shoulder, which forced him to miss the Second Test at Lord's known as the "Battle of the Ridge". It was developed by the software company Turtlez Ltd. Having downloaded this, cricket fans would be treated to live Test match updates and weather reports from a cartoon version of Benaud with real voice samples such as "Got 'im!" This was enough for him to gain selection for the start of the Tests. National Archives of Australia, A1200, L33209. [7] Benaud scored his maiden first-class century, 117 against South Australia, in the next match, two years after falling short of the milestone by seven runs. [126], In 2007, he was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at the Allan Border Medal award evening and in 2009 he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Benaud's personal form was a major factor in this success. They are Richie Benaud's secret first family, whose lives are far removed from the glittering sporting career the cricket legend led in the media spotlight before his death in April. 1930 - 2015. [7], The 195152 season saw a tour to Australia by the West Indies. Talking about her marriage to the onetime Australian cricket captain, Ms Benaud's eyes filled with tears and she said: 'He shouldn't have left'. Four years previously he had been hit in the face while batting for New South Wales 2nd XI in Melbourne. Richard (Richie) Benaud, cricketer and commentator, died on April 10th, aged 84. Now an 85-year-old pensioner, Marcia Benaud hadn't seen Richie Benaud since the 1970s when he was contesting the maintenance paid to support her and their sons. Benaud was recalled to the New South Wales First XI in late December for the Christmas and New Year's fixtures. [6] At the start of the 194950 season, he was still in the Second XI, but when the Test players departed for a tour of South Africa soon afterwards,[7] vacancies opened up. He was a great player and a great captain; a wonderful leader of men and he continued that off the field, Clarke told the Nine Network. Richie Benaud, who has died aged 84, was perhaps best known latterly for his work as a global cricket commentator, with his distinctive voice, familiar fixed gaze, prominent bottom lip and carefully tended coiffure. SURPRISINGLY, there is a French Cricket Association. He was the accompaniment of an Australian summer, his voice was even more present than the chirping of the cicadas in our suburbs and towns, and that voice, tragically, is now still. He married after the match and had to mumble his wedding vows through a swathe of bandages. The boys played cricket in the yard and at school, where Jeffrey made the school eleven and Greg 'started as an off break bowler and ended up as leg spin'. [7] [41], In the Second Test at Cape Town, Benaud took 4/95 and then 5/49 in the second innings to secure an innings victory after the home team were forced to follow on. [124], Benaud was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1961 for services to cricket. His control was admirable, and when Benaud gets a batsman in trouble he rarely if ever gives him a loose one. Benaud retired from international cricket in 1964 and turned to full-time cricket journalism and commentary, for which he already had runs on the board with the BBC. [31] In 1967, he married his second wife, Daphne Surfleet, who had worked for the English cricket writer E. W. After attending Parramatta high school, Richie made his New South Wales debut on the final day of 1948. Richie Benaud: Former cricketer and broadcaster dubbed 'The voice of cricket' dies, aged 84. Now Richie Benaud's first wife Marcia, who lives with one of Richie's estranged sons in a housing commission cottage, is about to have that once private life become very public. Pearce's XI at Scarborough. While a move to preserve Benauds childhood home failed, he was honoured with a lifesize statue at the Sydney Cricket Ground, his spiritual home his actual homes having been in Sydneys Pacific-side suburb of Coogee, on the French Riviera and in London. Marcia remembers making the salads for the West Indies team, with Richie cooking on the barbecue he had made himself from Besser blocks, and legends including Everton Weekes, Garfield Sobers, Wes Hall and Frank Worrell standing around in the back yard. When, a few months later in England, Benaud took veteran Ray Lindwalls advice and bowled his leg-spin around the wicket into the rough, when all seemed lost in the Old Trafford Test, his wicket-taking that afternoon ensured that Australia retained the Ashes and raised the captain close to sainthood in the estimation of his team and his country. ", At the age of 83, he crushed two vertebrae when his 1963 Sunbeam vintage sports car, Test debut against West Indies at Sydney Cricket Ground, First of 248 Test wickets and 2,201 Test runs, First Test as Australia captain, v England at Brisbane, In his 60th Test, the first to 2,000 Test runs & 200 wickets, Final Test against South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground, Final commentary in England after 42 years. He chose to end his British commentary career, which spanned more than 42 years, when the rights to broadcast live Test match cricket were lost by Channel 4 to the subscription broadcaster British Sky Broadcasting. Benaud, who was appointed OBE in 1961 for services to cricket, leaves a wife of 48 years, Daphne, and two children from his first marriage. Elder son: Greg Benaud, 60, (pictured) at the public housing cottage he shares with his mother Marcia, who married Richie Benaud in 1953 and had two sons who would only see their famous father occasionally after their parents divorced, Glamorous: Marcia Benaud, in January 1953, following her marriage to Richie, after which the newlyweds went to the Adelaide Oval where the new Mrs Benaud is pictured, above, watching her husband play a Test against South Africa, Sons of the father: Richie Benaud pictured at the beach with his two sons, Jeffrey (left) and Greg (right) in the happier days of his marriage to first wife Marcia, when he was playing Test cricket for Australia, Young beauty: Marcia Lavender was a shorthand typist when she met cricketer Richie Benaud at a Sydney city accounting firm in the early 1950s and he went on to begin his Test career. "[2] In his review of Benaud's autobiography Anything But, Sri Lankan cricket writer Harold de Andrado wrote: "Richie Benaud 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."[3]. [4], Benaud was not a large spinner of the ball, but he was known for his ability to extract substantial bounce from the surface. And despite the years since she saw the only man she ever married, Marcia Lorraine Lavender Benaud said she had watched the television tributes to her late former husband with mixed feelings. Gallery: Richie Benaud his life in pictures, Richard Cooke pays tribute to crickets permanent witness, From the archive The Joy of Six: Richie Benaud. Richie Benaud Biography Richie Benaud Networth He was with us as a player, journalist . He became the first player to reach 200 wickets and 2,000 runs in Test cricket, arriving at that milestone in 1963. Leading opposition batsman Everton Weekes edged Benaud in his first over, but Gil Langley dropped the catch. Australian cricketer who led his country in 28 Test matches and later became one of the worlds most respected commentators. His major advisory work for Kerry Packer during crickets revolutionary upheaval in the late 1970s alienated him in some traditional quarters, one consequence being an outcry for Benaud to be removed from BBCs television commentary panel. Thus, the 2005 Ashes series was the last that Benaud commentated on in Britain. ", Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbottexternal-link said Benaud's passing was "a sad day for Australia", adding: "We have lost a cricketing champion and Australian icon. I know Mum found it difficult to live on ten pounds a week. The great voice of cricket is no more. His Australian cricket television commentary continued until it was brought to a halt by a car accident in 2013 and shortly afterwards he announced that he had skin cancer a legacy, he suspected, of his bareheaded days on the field. [7] As a specialist batsman, he made his first-class debut for New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Queensland in the New Year's match of the 194849 season. [4] He was appointed an OBE in that year and in 1962 was named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year. Benaud was the top wicket-taker on the tour, with 32 wickets at 19.31, and Australia's top wicket-taker in the three matches against New Zealand, with 15 wickets at 21.73. Benaud struck exactly 100 in the first innings, before taking 4/70 in South Africa's reply. 'Dad had two families to look after and back in the day when Mum was awarded custody, it was the law brought down in the Supreme Court rather than the family court that we lived with Mum and saw Dad once a fortnight,' Greg said. But that extraordinary five-match encounter produced electrifying batsmanship, and bowling that was less concerned with shutting the game down than keeping it moving. On March 29, 1967 Marcia divorced Richie Benaud on the grounds of desertion. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Ken Bruce finishes his 30-year tenure as host of BBC Radio 2, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Hershey's Canada releases HER for SHE bars featuring a trans activist, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Family of a 10-month-old baby filmed vaping open up. Will always be remembered and admired. Marcia Benaud pictured with elder son Greg, then aged 18 months, on Umina Beach in 1956. Benaud, who was born in Penrith, just west of Sydney, into a family of Huguenot origin, had a keen cricketer for a father. RIP Richie Benaud. Shortly after the the Australian cricket captain and celebrated commentator's death in April from cancer, Ms Benaud spoke to Daily Mail Australia from her housing flat on the NSW Central Coast, north of Sydney. He had managed, in the 14 Tests since then, 559 runs at 27.95 and 67 wickets at 24.98. He was attacked by the touring batsmen, taking 1/75 from 16.5 overs in his first outing against an international outfit. Cause of Richie Benaud death. Marcia Benaud kept her surname 'for the sake of my sons. 'The voice of cricket' Richie Benaud dies, aged 84 It was presented to his wife. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, This put him out of action until the last match of the season,[13] leaving him with little opportunity to impress the national selectors for his rise to international cricket. He had brought novel flashes of exhibitionism into play on the cricket field, racing over to embrace a fieldsman after a catch, his own shirt unbuttoned almost to the navel.