Richie Benaud Death Anniversary: Lesser-known Facts About the 'Voice of His first BBC radio commentary came in 1960, followed by his first television appearance three years later. Four years previously he had been hit in the face while batting for New South Wales 2nd XI in Melbourne. Richie Benaud, pictured during his touring days as Australian Test captain had an interest in cars, particularly Renaults and Sunbeams, and passed that interest down to his sons Greg and Jeff, Richie Benaud (pictured) married his second wife Daphne, an ardent cricket fan, in 1967 and together the couple forged a remarkable partnership during which the former Test captain became a legend behind the microphone. Marcia Benaud and Greg Benaud have launched legal action in the NSW Supreme Court challenging Richie Benaud's second wife Daphne for a slice of his multi-million-dollar estate. Richie Benaud dead: Australia mourns loss of cricketing great 'I thought when he retired we would be a family together again,' she said. The Cricket Player, Journalist Richie Benaud passed away at the age of 92. However, cricketers like Shane Warne, Ian Chappell, Michael Clarke among several others visited his commemoration service on the same day. Richie Benaud Cause of Death, How did Richie Benaud Die? Benaud did not bowl Meckiff from the other end, and at the end of the match Meckiff announced his retirement. Greg joked that before his father's death he had visited him and gained some style advice for the funeral. "[39], After a break in the international calendar of a year, the 195758 tour to South Africa heralded the start of a phase of three international seasons when Benaud was at his peak. Now an 85-year-old pensioner, Marcia Benaud hadn't seen Richie Benaud since the 1970s when he was contesting the maintenance paid to support her and their sons. [52] He took four wickets in a Second Test in Lahore that sealed the series 20,[53] the last time Australia would win a Test in Pakistan until Mark Taylor's men in 1998, 37 years later. Marcia Benaud pictured with elder son Greg, then aged 18 months, on Umina Beach in 1956. [97], After retiring from playing in 1964, Benaud turned to full-time cricket journalism and commentary, dividing his time between Britain (where he worked for the BBC for many years before joining Channel 4 in 1999), and Australia (for the Nine Network). Three years later, against the West Indies at Sydney, he first played for Australia. He was 84. Newspaper reports said he drank champagne 'through a straw'. 'The voice of cricket' Richie Benaud dies, aged 84 [19] Even so, he was promoted to vice-captain above several senior players when Ian Johnson and Keith Miller missed the 2nd Test at Sydney through injury and Arthur Morris was made temporary captain. He became the first player to reach 200 wickets and 2,000 runs in Test cricket, arriving at that milestone in 1963. ", Benaud married Marcia Lavender in 1953 and had two sons, Greg and Jeffery, from this marriage; he divorced Marcia in 1967. ', Home territory: Richie Benaud was the king of the commentary box and at complete ease on cricket grounds around the world including the SCG (above), but as he forged his international commentary career he saw less of his two sons by first wife Marcia, Marcia Benaud said: 'I was at the stage where I preferred to be happy with a little, than rich and unhappy and so I accepted it and I haven't seen him since that day in court.'. Daphne Benaud invited sons Greg and Jeffrey to the private service, which was attended by about 20 people, before a more public wake at the Australian Golf Club. Marcia Benaud described the times when Richie was overseas as lonely and trying. [45] He had been a major contributor to the series win, scoring 329 runs at 54.83 and taking 30 wickets at 21.93, establishing himself as one of the leading leg spinners of the modern era. [6], In November 1948, at the age of 18, Benaud was selected for the New South Wales Colts, the state youth team. [6] Benaud's bold leadership coupled with his charismatic nature and public relations ability enlivened interest in Test cricket among a public who had increasingly regarded it as boring. Greg Benaud had just turned twelve and his brother Jeffrey was nine. Tony Abbott offers family a state funeral for the former Australian leg-spinner, cricket captain and commentator. Biography - A Short Wiki At the time, Ms Benaud said she was upset she hadn't been invited to her former husband's funeral. "[2] In his review of Benaud's autobiography Anything But, Sri Lankan cricket writer Harold de Andrado wrote: "Richie Benaud possibly next to Sir Don Bradman has been one of the greatest cricketing personalities as player, researcher, writer, critic, author, organiser, adviser and student of the game."[3]. Richie Benaud - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [29], Benaud's bowling reached a new level on the return leg of Australia's overseas tour, when they stopped in the Indian subcontinent in 195657 en route back to Australia. [56][57] He returned to form with 5/43 and 3/43 as India were defeated by an innings after being forced to follow on in the Fourth Test in Madras. It was another lean series with the ball, Benaud's 17 wickets costing 40.47, the third consecutive series where his wickets cost more than 30. By that summers end, with the beaten but popular West Indies having had a tickertape motorcade send-off in Melbourne, Richie Benauds own popularity was sealed. He played the game the right way., Our country has lost a national treasure, Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said in a statement. They brought back all the old memories, sad ones. Harvey and Benaud had been captains of their respective states until Harvey moved in the same season for employment purposes from Victoria to New South Wales and became Benaud's deputy. [25] After a draw in the Second Test,[26] he took three wickets in four balls to end with 4/15 in the first innings at Georgetown, Guyana, before scoring 68 (his first Test half century) as Australia moved to a 20 series lead. In 1960, he made his first radio commentary in the United Kingdom at the BBC, after which he moved into television. Kissing the bride was [tricky],' Marcia told Daily Mail Australia. In November, he revealed he was being treated for skin cancer. 'We have been comfortable and had a contented life here,' she said. Afterwards, they flew to Adelaide where Richie took part in the fourth Test. Elder son: Greg Benaud, 60, (pictured) at the public housing cottage he shares with his mother Marcia, who married Richie Benaud in 1953 and had two sons who would only see their famous father occasionally after their parents divorced, Glamorous: Marcia Benaud, in January 1953, following her marriage to Richie, after which the newlyweds went to the Adelaide Oval where the new Mrs Benaud is pictured, above, watching her husband play a Test against South Africa, Sons of the father: Richie Benaud pictured at the beach with his two sons, Jeffrey (left) and Greg (right) in the happier days of his marriage to first wife Marcia, when he was playing Test cricket for Australia, Young beauty: Marcia Lavender was a shorthand typist when she met cricketer Richie Benaud at a Sydney city accounting firm in the early 1950s and he went on to begin his Test career. [29][36][54] Benaud made a strong start to the series against India, taking 3/0 in the first innings of the First Test in Delhi, before a 5/76-second innings haul secured an innings victory. While a heart attack was the cause of Warne's death while holidaying in Thailand, Healy revealed that he feared the spin king would succumb to another health issue. Against Len Huttons dominant England tourists in 1954-55 he again did little with bat or ball, just as he struggled in 1956 on his second tour of England, the Lords Test apart: having taken a memorably sharp reflex catch in the gully to dismiss Colin Cowdrey, Benaud was at his cavalier best in an innings of 97, ended by a top edge as he tried to reach his hundred in the grand manner by hooking Fred Trueman. Marcia Benaud spoke of her past with Richie with laughter and tears, but said although she believed he should have never left their marriage she has made a life of contentment, politely responding that she was 'the first wife' if people asked about her name, Richie Benaud, pictured shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth II, before the start of play during his Test cricket years, which his first wife Marcia said led to some delightful occasions, including her invitation to dine with the Queen on the Britannia when in Sydney. A petite and gracious lady with a merry laugh and a gentle demeanour, Marcia Benaud has lived a 'contented' life a world apart from the public life Richie Benaud led with second wife Daphne. In the next four matches, Benaud passed 15 only once, scoring a 34, and took only seven wickets. Richie Benaud, who has died aged 84, was perhaps best known latterly for his work as a global cricket commentator, with his distinctive voice, familiar fixed gaze, prominent bottom lip and. Richie Benaud's influence on cricket on and off the field is being lauded by players and fans alike, . Three months later, Benaud married Daphne Surfleet and they embarked on a life of adventure in which Richie would cement his name in history and he and Daphne Benaud would forge an ironclad relationship that endured until his death last Friday. He made 124 runs at 20.66, making double figures in four of seven innings, but was unable to capitalise on his starts, with a top score of 45. Richie Benaud's 90th birth anniversary celebrated in new Cricket Richie Benaud dies aged 84 - rolling reaction - the Guardian [7], After returning home from his first overseas tour, Benaud was prolific during the 195354 Australian season, which was purely domestic with no touring Test team. [55] Benaud had less of an impact on the next two Tests, which Australia lost and drew, totaling 6/244. Marcia remembers making the salads for the West Indies team, with Richie cooking on the barbecue he had made himself from Besser blocks, and legends including Everton Weekes, Garfield Sobers, Wes Hall and Frank Worrell standing around in the back yard. Benaud, who was born in Penrith, just west of Sydney, into a family of Huguenot origin, had a keen cricketer for a father. He made another century in the return match, striking 144 not out and taking a total of 2/55. 6 October 1930 City of Penrith: Date of death: 10 April 2015 Sydney: Manner of death: natural causes; Cause of death: cancer; Country of citizenship: Australia; Country for sport: Australia; Educated at: Parramatta High School; Occupation: cricketer; journalist; [126], In 2007, he was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at the Allan Border Medal award evening and in 2009 he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Richard "Richie" Benaud OBE ( / bno /; 6 October 1930 - 10 April 2015) was an Australian cricketer. Benaud enjoyed a long association with the BBC following his first radio appearance for the corporation in 1960. For the following Australian season in 195253, Benaud started modestly; and, in the five first-class matches before the Tests, he scored 208 runs at 26.00, including a 63 and 69, and 14 wickets at 38.64. [103], The idea for what became his trademarkwearing a cream or white jacket during live commentarycame from Channel 9 owner Kerry Packer, who suggested the look to help Benaud stand out from the rest of the commentary team. Richie Benaud: 21 lesser-known facts about the Voice of Cricket The reason for Richie Benaud death was stated that he died due to Skin cancer. He was the mainstay in Australian cricket television commentary until the past two summers - a car accident in 2013 sidelined him before he announced in November last year that he was fighting skin cancer. 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 worlds most recognised commentators. Listen to impressionist Rory Bremner paying tribute to Richie Benaud. Category:Richie Benaud - Wikimedia Commons During the interview, Ms Benaud revealed details her life with Richie before she was left 'devastated' when he left her to marry his second wife, Daphne. CNN Former Australia cricket captain and legendary broadcaster Richie Benaud has died at the age of 84. 'I remember a time when he called from the cricket and said Sir Donald Bradman was coming over for dinner and I thought Sir Donald Bradman! [10] He had more success with the bat, scoring 93 and narrowly missing a century against South Australia. [7] Benaud was the only bowler selected for all five Tests of the 195455 series when England visited Australia. Richie Benaud had a thing for cars, starting off with a Morris Minor, graduating to Renaults when, as a lowly paid cricketer of the era, he took to advertising shaving cream, and the French cars with the jingle 'Renault for Benaud'. [117], Benaud had last handed "Baggy green" caps to Simon Katich and Mitchell Starc when they made their test debut, but Benaud's own was lost early in his Test career, and former captainnow commentator and the Director of Cricket Australia, Mark Taylorwas to present the replacement cap to him at the semi-final of the 2015 Cricket World Cup between Australia and India at the SCG, but Benaud was too unwell to attend, and when the cap arrived at Channel 9 headquarters, it was the day before Benaud died. After Don Bradman, there has been no Australian player more famous or more influential than Richie Benaud.. Reaction to the death of former Australian cricket captain and commentator Richie Benaud, known as the 'Voice of Cricket'. He still managed to say I do quite firmly. It was developed by the software company Turtlez Ltd. Having downloaded this, cricket fans would be treated to live Test match updates and weather reports from a cartoon version of Benaud with real voice samples such as "Got 'im!" When the time came for Richie Benaud's final departure, Greg and Jeff were given the opportunity to visit their father, and they informed Marcia who said she took the philosophical view 'that it might be God's will'. How did Richie Benaud Die? Richie Benaud dies - aged 84: sport pays tribute - The Telegraph Marcia Benaud's eyes misted up when she spoke about watching the tributes which flowed on TV following her late ex-husband's death in April, saying the coverage brought back sad memories of the life they had together, Muzzled: Richie Benaud, pictured in 1953, with his fiancee Marcia Lavender prior to their wedding and following an injury while he was fielding and a ball hit him in the face, causing his lip to split, but Marcia says he managed to utter a firm 'I do', Marcia Benaud (pictured with son Greg) remembered the day her then husband Richie rang up to say Sir Donald Bradman was coming over for dinner and after an initial panic over what to serve, she came up with chicken soup followed by roast chicken with salad for the legend in her Beecroft living room, Richie Benaud in his Test playing days, pictured in 1961, when he was still married to Marcia and they were bringing up two young sons, Greg, then aged six and Jeffrey, aged four, 'There was another time when the prime minister Robert Menzies invited us to have dinner with the Queen on the Britannia when it was docked in Sydney. South Africa. He defined an era with conviction and sincerity.". Richie Benaud: Australia cricket legend & commentator dies at 84 Benaud, Richard (Richie) (1930-2015) by Kersi Meher-Homji. When it became clear that the cricketing legend was finally about to succumb to skin cancer, Daphne contacted Jeff and Greg Benaud. Marcia said that from time to time when people inquired about her name, she would quietly respond that yes, she was the first Mrs Richie Benaud. Explore Richie Benaud's biography, personal life, family and cause of death. Fans remember Richie Benaud for his famed pronunciation of '2/2/22 Craig had fallen ill, and just when the senior player, Neil Harvey, was expected to succeed to the leadership, Benauds name was announced. Richie Benaud, who has died aged 84, was perhaps best known latterly for his work as a global cricket commentator, with his distinctive voice, familiar fixed gaze, prominent bottom lip and carefully tended coiffure. Benaud's ad featured him in various scenic locations uttering his signature comment, "Marvellous!". [31] He was unable to maintain the standards he had set in the West Indies, contributing little apart from the Lord's Test. Legendary Australian cricket commentator Richie Benaud has died. from around the world following the news of Benaud's death. Some tedious contests had been inflicted on the watching public, with more to follow in the 1960s. This was enough for him to gain selection for the start of the Tests. He justified their decision prior to the team's departure, scoring 167 not out and taking match figures of 7/137 for the touring team against a Tasmania Combined XI, his wickets including Test batsmen Miller, Ian Craig and Neil Harvey. Reaction to the death of the 'Voice of Cricket' Benaud | Reuters [7][14] Benaud ended his season with 97 and a total of 3/39 in an innings win over South Australia.[7]. When, a few months later in England, Benaud took veteran Ray Lindwalls advice and bowled his leg-spin around the wicket into the rough, when all seemed lost in the Old Trafford Test, his wicket-taking that afternoon ensured that Australia retained the Ashes and raised the captain close to sainthood in the estimation of his team and his country. ", added: "So sad to hear about the passing of Richie Benaud. After attending Parramatta high school, Richie made his New South Wales debut on the final day of 1948. It is only a shame he did not get the send-off he deserved - the game of cricket has not had a chance to say goodbye, BBC commentator Jonathan Agnew told the broadcaster. After the 1956 Ashes tour in England, he completed a BBC training course while still a player, marking the beginning of a 40-year association with the corporation.