Richie Benaud 84 out

[Accy cyclist]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/32182999 I'm not a big cricket fan so if someone asked me to name a cricket commentator he'd be the first that sprung to mind! Not forgetting his famous comb over!

 

[Pale Rider]

There are very, very few commentators who have said things I remember for more than a minute.

Benaud is one of them.

A batsman walloped one of the Aussie bowlers for six using a stroke that won't appear in any coaching manual.

Benaud paused for a second or two, then with no emphasis said: "Whacko."

Dry, under stated, perfect timing - just brilliant.

 

[slowmotion]

Sad news. I have no great interest in cricket but his commentaries were strangely gripping...especially the out of the side of the mouth delivery.

A great man.

 

[Accy cyclist]

A local cricket fanatic who knew all the facts and figures of the game died young,about ten years ago. His nickname was Benaud as folk associated cricket with Richie Benaud. When RB heard of his death he sent his widow a condolence card with some kind words.

 

[Keith Oates]

He was a great player and a very good commentator so it's sad to see him go. RIP .

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

There are very, very few commentators who have said things I remember for more than a minute.
Benaud is one of them.

I am no Cricket fan, so have never really heard him, but a commentator capable of similar ability that I do know would have been the late Bill McLaren with his memorable comments!

 

[raleighnut]

He made cricket worth watching RIP.

 

[gavgav]

Very sad to hear. His voice is my main memory of watching cricket through my child and teenage years. Cricket seems to produce fabulous commentators and he was right up there with the best.

 

[TVC]

Top bloke, I could listen to him all day.

 

[AndyRM]

Just 16 runs short of his century.

 

[Levo-Lon]

RIP the voice of cricket for most of us
my Dad got me into cricket, he had trials for Lancs and bowled out Evertom Weeks in the nets ...

 

[Lilliburlero]

My all time favourite Aussie.

RIP

 

[Cheddar George]

A master of the art, a man who knew the difference between commentating on the radio and on TV, as Jonathan Agnew said in his piece for the BBC, "Richie's basic premise was not to speak unless he could add something to the television pictures."

Every sports commentator should keep this lesson in mind.

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Just 16 runs short of his century.

And allegedly passed at 2:22 . Sounded like a good bloke, and was always worth the listen.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

And allegedly passed at 2:22 . Sounded like a good bloke, and was always worth the listen.

Is that a double Nelson? A great commentator whose knowledge of the game was deep and insightful but never intrusive.