The cricketing world has lost a true legend, both on and off the pitch, as former Australia international and charismatic commentator Richie Benaud OBE passed away at the age of 84 following illness.
For many, Benaud was the voice and face of cricket for over 40 years, and became more renowned for his broadcasting ability with quick-witted catchphrases and unmatched knowledge of the game, despite a distinguished playing career.
His trademark welcome of “good morning everyone” was synonymous to the sport and warmed the hearts of many that were to sit tight for another masterpiece from the Aussie.
While cricket has lost one of its greatest, Benaud will not be forgotten, and Coral pay tribute to the ex-Baggy Greens captain by gathering together his finest quotes, that will be immortalised forever.
On Australia bowling great Glenn McGrath, who was never known for his batting talent: “And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just 98 runs short of his century.”
On a huge six smashed by England all-rounder Ian Botham: “Don’t bother looking for that, let alone chasing it. That’s gone straight into the confectionary stall and out again.”
On commentary: “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. 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.”
On captaincy: “The hallmark of a great captain is the ability to win the toss, at the right time. Captaincy is 90 per cent luck and 10 per cent skill, But don’t try it without that 10 per cent.”
On leg spinner Shane Warne’s ‘ball of the century’ to England batsman Mike Gatting: “What a cricketer, what a match-winner, what a ball. Gatting has absolutely no idea what has happened to it. Still doesn’t know. He asked [umpire] Kenny Palmer on the way out. Kenny Palmer just gave him a raised eyebrow and a little nod.”
On Trevor Chappell’s controversial final ball under-arm bowl to New Zealand’s Brian McKechnie: “Let me tell you what I think about it: I think it was a disgraceful decision by a captain (Greg Chappell) who got his sums wrong today.”
On fellow Australian legend Don Bradman: “I once said to Keith Miller how disappointed I was to have made my debut in the same year as Bradman retired. How wonderful it would have been to have watched him play at the SCG in 1940 and then to bowl at him on the same ground. Nugget remarked drily that everyone has one lucky break and that may well have been mine.”
On Australian batsman Justin Langer hitting a six: “He’s not quite got hold of that one. If he had, it would have gone for nine.”
On a streaker: “There was a slight interruption there for athletics.”
On adjusting to technology: “The slow-motion replay doesn’t show how fast the ball was really travelling.”
