The Incomparable Richie Benaud (1930-2015)

Baggy green capAfter a successful career as a cricketer, Richie Benaud gave pleasure to countless fans around the world for his affectionate and unique broadcasting style.

As he matured, his walnut-brown crumbled face to camera resembled an extension of the baggy-green cap as a symbol of Australian  cricket.

Towards the end of his life, he endured accidents and bad health stoically.

Obituaries this week made comparisons with other cricketers and commentators.  

He is ranked with his compatriot Bradman for influencing the success of Australian cricket. Similarities have been notedwith Mike Brearley for his  astute  captaincy, with John Arlott as a warm and empathic commentator, and with   Geoff Boycott, (without the spiky narcissism) as a reader of the game.

Comparisons may help a little in  our understanding of his achievements and facets of his personality.  They can do little more.  Richie Benaud the man remains incomparable.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 10th, 2015 at 6:39 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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