Richie Benaud was an outstanding sportsman, generous commentator and a true gentleman of the game.
For cricket lovers, his insights and his good humour will be deeply missed. For the rest of us, his distinct voice provided the backdrop for entire generations of Australian summers. He will be forever be intertwined with those memories.
Upon learning of the legend’s death today, at the age of 84, we remember 12 of his greatest achievements and qualities:
1. He wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is.
2. He helped restore Australia to the top of the world cricket stage in the late 1950’s.
3. His one-liners were un-paralleled.
"First of all you've got to find out if they're still there." Instant classic.
4. His talent was spotted early on.
He made his first grade debut for Cumberland at age 16 as a batsman.
5. He inspired one of Australia's greatest parodies.
The Twelfth Man.
6. He holds the record for the third fastest test century of all time.
1954; Australia v. West Indies; 78 minutes.
7. His quick wit when Andrew Symonds decked a streaker.
“There was a slight interruption there for athletics.”
8. During Benaud's captaincy (1958-1964), Australia did not lose a series.
What an incredible feat.
9. He starred in the greatest Australia Day ad of all time.
10. He inspired legions of fans.
11. Shane Warne's 'Ball of the Century' in 1993.
"Gatting has absolutely no idea what happened to it. (He) still doesn’t know.”
12. He was the sound of our summer, the voice of our childhoods and a true Aussie legend. What a marvellous innings, RIP mate.