Former Australia cricket captain, commentator Benaud dies

SYDNEY (AP) — Former Australia cricket captain and television commentator Richie Benaud has died at the age of 84, his employer Channel Nine network said Friday.

Benaud, considered one of the most influential cricket identities of the past century, had been fighting skin cancer and died overnight in a Sydney hospice.

Nine Network chief executive David Gyngell said in statement "Richie Benaud's passing has robbed us not only of a national treasure but a lovely man ... Richie earned the profound and lasting respect of everyone across the world of cricket and beyond."

A veteran of 63 test matches, Benaud played a pivotal role in the formation of World Series Cricket in the 1970s and was one of the world's most recognized commentators, anchoring the Nine Network's cricket coverage for decades.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-04-10

RIP Richie .... He was good for the sport !

He was a true gentleman of the old school and an ambassador of both the sport of cricket and the nation of Australia.

His voice is synonymous with the sport to everyone of his generation and for me will always remain so.

Cheers Richie.

Very Sad

When I was a kid in the 70s cricket was my favorite sport to play and watch and people like Benaud are the reason I found the game so enjoyable and entertaining

RIP Richie

Thanks

Along with John Arlott, Brian Johnston and others, he made listening and watching Test cricket so informative and enjoyable. A true gentleman too.

RIP Richie.

Sad news indeed ........

Had the pleasure of meeting Richie at the Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground) many years ago.

Totally nice guy who did so much for cricket.

R.I.P.

A great innings, well played Ritchie.

MARVELLOUS innings you mean.

Hopefully sitting in heaven figuring out what coat to put on.. the cream (or is it the bone, the white, the off-white, the ivory or the beige?) ...

Edited April 10, 201511 yr by samran

RIP Ritchie - best loved Aussie in the UK and, unlike Rolf, a never-sullied reputation goes with you.

Farewell Richie.

Cricket commentary will never be the same.

RIP Richie.

A true gentleman and a great cricket commentator.

Unlike many today, he new what he was talking about.

I could listen to him all day.

RIP Ritchie.

Superb captain and commentator. Up there on the Cricketing Parthenon.

Thanks guys, I echo your sentiments, a true gentleman has passed on. Thanks Richie for all those wonderful commentaries.

A wonderful innings. RIP

A true legend.

R.I.P

richie.jpg

Welcome back to the MCG where the English are Two for twenty-two....

^Legend.

God bless you Richie. You where "simply marvelous".

Very Sad

When I was a kid in the 70s cricket was my favorite sport to play and watch and people like Benaud are the reason I found the game so enjoyable and entertaining

RIP Richie

Thanks

Not hearing Richie's cricket commentary on a hot summer Sunday, in the park or on the beach, will never be the same will they ?

heard he was ill rest in peace now

What a Marvelous man.

Will be fondly remembered always.

RIP Richie.

The lose of a true Aussie cricket Icon and all round good guy. Condolences to you Aussies from this Kiwi.

There goes part of my youth. RIP.

Tew for tew,tew,tew. (2 for 222) Such an Aussie icon and such a marvellous man. As captain of the Aussie cricket team in the late 50's he never

lost a test series over 5 seasons before he retired. His commentary and knowledge of the game were always first class. A true gentleman.

Condolences to his family. RIP Richie

A great player and captain for his country; an even better commentator for the whole cricketing world.

R.I.P.

Cricket commentary will never be the same.

RIP Richie.

RB has been the voice of cricket all my life.

RIP to a great sportsman

RIP legend - https://youtu.be/8lA5M8KaPKQ