Tuesday 11th November
At the weekend I heard the news that legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud is undergoing radiation therapy for skin cancer.
Growing up with cricket during the 70’s onwards Benaud was the face of the BBC cricket coverage on the television. With such a unique style and an Australian twang, he was certainly one of the best commentators in his day.
For me the highlight was when he was commentating on Ian Botham during the historic Ashes series in 1981. Botham had just smashed Terry Alderman back over his head for six. "Don't bother looking for that, let alone chasing it," said Benaud. "That's gone straight into the confectionary stall and out again." Pure genius and media professionalism from Benaud.
Other classic moments from Richie:
“The slow-motion replay doesn’t show how fast the ball was really travelling.”
“And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just ninety-eight runs short of his century.”
“Captaincy is 90 per cent luck and 10 per cent skill. But don't try it without that 10 per cent.”
“From our broadcasting box you can't see any grass at all. It is simply a carpet of humanity.”
On a Justin Langer sic: “He's not quite got hold of that one. If he had, it would have gone for nine”
“I think the batsman’s strategy is to make runs and not get out.”
“The hallmark of a great captain is the ability to win the toss at the right time.”
And finally, “Gatting at fine leg - that’s a contradiction in terms.”
Benaud has confirmed that his skin cancer is on his forehead and the top of his head and has urged people to protect themselves from the sun. I know I do, and I will carry on doing, as I have no hair on my head it is wise.
Hope all goes well Richie, and I hope this doesn’t sound like an obituary.
Thatchers time.
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