Richie Benaud

Date of Birth: October 6, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 10, 2015

Biography

Richie Benaud was an iconic Australian cricketer and later a highly respected commentator. Born in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia, Benaud was a leg-spin bowler and a capable lower-order batsman. He made his Test debut for Australia in 1952 and went on to become one of the most influential captains in Australian cricket history. Benaud captained the Australian team from 1958 until his retirement from international cricket in 1964, leading the team to numerous victories and shaping the ethos of the game with his sportsmanship and strategic acumen. After retiring from playing, Benaud transitioned seamlessly into a career in journalism and broadcasting. His voice became synonymous with cricket commentary, and his insightful, measured, and often witty analysis earned him fans worldwide. Benaud’s contribution to cricket extended beyond the field as he became a respected writer, authoring several books on the sport. He was also a key figure in the rise of World Series Cricket in the 1970s. Richie Benaud passed away on April 10, 2015, but his legacy in the cricketing world endures.

5 Interesting Facts about Richie Benaud

1. Richie Benaud was the first player to achieve the double of 2000 runs and 200 wickets in Test cricket.

2. He was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1961 for his services to cricket.

3. Benaud’s commentary career spanned over four decades, during which he became known as the “Voice of Cricket.”

4. He played a crucial role in the launch of World Series Cricket, which revolutionized the sport in the late 1970s.

5. Richie Benaud was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richie Benaud

1. “Captaincy is 90 percent luck and 10 percent skill. But don’t try it without that 10 percent.”

2. “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.”

3. “Put your brain into gear and if you can add to what’s on the screen then do it, otherwise shut up.”

4. “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 and don’t ever miss a chance to keep your mouth shut.”

5. “From our broadcasting box you can’t see any grass at all. It is simply a carpet of humanity.”