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Richie Benaud

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Richie Benaud
Born
Richard Benaud

(1930-10-06) 6 October 1930 (age 96)
Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Died10 April 2015(2015-04-10) (aged 84)
Occupation(s)Cricketer, cricket commentator
Years active1948–1964 (cricket), post-1964 (commentary)
Known forAustralian Test cricket all-rounder and captain; cricket commentator

Richard Benaud (; born 6 October 1930 – died 10 April 2015) was an Australian cricketer who represented both New South Wales and the national side. Following his retirement from international play in 1964, Benaud gained widespread acclaim as a cricket commentator.

As a Test cricket all-rounder, he combined leg spin bowling with assertive batting lower down the order. Together with fellow all-rounder Alan Davidson, he played a pivotal role in re-establishing Australia's dominance in world cricket during the late 1950s and early 1960s after a period of decline earlier in that decade. In 1958, Benaud was named Australia's Test captain, a position he held until retiring from the game in 1964. He was the pioneer to reach both 200 wickets and 2,000 runs in Test matches, achieving this feat in 1963.

According to Gideon Haigh, Benaud stands as "possibly the most influential cricketer and cricket personality since World War II." Sri Lankan author Harold de Andrado regarded him, after Sir Don Bradman, as one of cricket’s most significant figures—not only as a player but also as a researcher, writer, critic, organiser, adviser, and devoted student of the sport.

Early years

Born in Penrith, New South Wales, in 1930, Benaud hailed from a family deeply involved in cricket; his younger sibling John Benaud also went on to play Test cricket for Australia. Their father Louis, who descended from French Huguenot lineage, was a leg spinner representing Penrith District Cricket Club and later Cumberland in western Sydney. Richie spent his childhood in Coraki, NSW, where he acquired leg spin bowling skills under his father’s guidance.[1] He attended Parramatta High School and made his debut for Cumberland’s first-grade side at age 16 primarily as a batsman.[2]

At 18 years old, Benaud earned selection for the New South Wales Colts team, where he scored an unbeaten 47 and took 3 wickets for 37 runs against Queensland.[3] He made his first-class debut for New South Wales facing Queensland during the 1948–49 season; however, his impact was limited due to pitch conditions and team composition.[2][3] With the state squad strong and no Test matches scheduled that year, chances to break through were minimal.[4]

After being dropped to the Second XI, Benaud suffered a fractured skull from a head injury while batting against Victoria, which required surgery and kept him out for the remainder of the season.[2] This match was his sole appearance at Second XI level that summer.[3]

Starting as a batting all-rounder with a unique backlift technique, Benaud remained with the Second XI early in the 1949–50 season. The absence of Test players touring South Africa opened up opportunities that led to his recall to New South Wales’ First XI. Despite heavy bowling duties caused by missing key bowlers such as Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller, he claimed only five wickets at an average of 54.00 over five matches.[3] His batting highlights included scoring 93 against South Australia, finishing with 250 runs at an average of 31.25.[3]

When Test players returned for England's tour of Australia, Benaud initially lost his spot but was brought back for a fixture against England. In that game, he took one wicket—that of Trevor Bailey—and remained unbeaten on 20 runs but faced aggressive batting from opponents overall.[3][5] In a later match versus Victoria, captain Lindsay Hassett scored an imposing 179 off Benaud’s bowling; nevertheless, Benaud dismissed Hassett during the second innings and ended with figures of 3/56—his first time taking three wickets in an innings.[3]

He cemented his place through performances including scoring 48 runs and recording bowling figures of 4/93 and 1/29 against South Australia. Despite setbacks such as a chipped thumb sustained during an Australian XI trial match against England, he closed the season with totals of 184 runs at an average of 36.80 and eleven wickets at an average of 34.63.[3]

Early Test career

In the 1951–52 season, Benaud made his first appearance against the touring West Indies when New South Wales faced them in Sydney. Positioned at 7/96 on a challenging green pitch, he contributed a swift 43 runs during a century partnership. Soon after, he achieved his inaugural first-class century, scoring 117 against South Australia. Although his overall figures were modest—accumulating 307 runs at an average of 27.90 and claiming ten wickets at 64.80 over seven matches—he earned selection for his Test debut in the Fifth Test against the West Indies. With Australia having already secured the series, Benaud was tried primarily as a batsman, scoring 3 and 19. He bowled only in the second innings, capturing his first Test wicket by dismissing tail-ender Alf Valentine.

During the 1952–53 Australian season, Benaud’s performances were consistent but not exceptional: he amassed 208 runs at an average of 26.00 and took 14 wickets at 38.64 prior to the Tests. Though left out of the First Test, he was chosen for the Second and remained in the side throughout the series despite sustaining a serious facial injury from a delivery struck by John Waite. Across five Tests, he scored 124 runs at an average of 20.66 and took ten wickets at 30.60, including a best bowling figure of 4/118 in Adelaide where he shouldered a heavy bowling workload due to injuries to key fast bowlers Ray Lindwall and Keith Miller.

At this point, Benaud’s first-class batting average was still under 30 while his bowling average hovered near 40, without any particularly notable innings or wicket hauls. Nevertheless, selectors maintained their trust in him for the upcoming 1953 Ashes tour of England. Before departing, he showcased promise by scoring an unbeaten 167 and taking seven wickets against Tasmania Combined XI, including dismissing several established Test players. Additionally, he forged an important bowling partnership with Alan Davidson, which would become significant for Australia.

Upon arriving in England, Benaud made an immediate impact with both bat and ball: he scored 44 and took 2/66 against Worcestershire, followed by an impressive display against Yorkshire where he contributed 97 runs and claimed bowling figures of 7/46, helping secure an innings victory. Although his batting form declined heading into the Tests, his bowling remained effective with multiple wickets against university and county sides, earning him selection for the Test matches.

However, his performances during the Ashes Tests were disappointing: scoring only eight runs across four innings and taking two wickets for 136 runs in the first two Tests led to his exclusion from the Third Test. He was recalled for the Fourth Test but again dropped after minimal contribution in the Fifth, finishing with just 15 runs at an average of 3.00 and two costly wickets at an average of 87.00. Australia's selection decisions faced criticism as England’s spinners exploited favorable conditions to reclaim the Ashes.

Despite these setbacks, Benaud demonstrated aggressive batting prowess in a tour game against T.N. Pearce's XI at Scarborough, where he scored 135 off just 110 minutes and set an Australian record by hitting eleven sixes—including four sixes in a single over. Following the Tests, he added another half-century and took 22 wickets across eight first-class matches on tour, highlighting his all-round potential ahead of future achievements.

Consolidation

Following his inaugural international tour, Benaud delivered an outstanding performance during the 1953–54 Australian season, playing a crucial role in New South Wales securing the Sheffield Shield, the first of nine consecutive triumphs. He opened the season with an impressive 158 runs and took 5/88 against Queensland, concluding the campaign with 811 runs at an average of 62.38 alongside 35 wickets at 30.54. Despite modest form in preparatory matches, his commanding 125-run innings against Queensland earned him selection as the sole bowler for all five Tests on the 1954–55 England tour.

Up to this point, Benaud had participated in 13 Tests but had yet to make a significant impact, accumulating 309 runs at 15.45 and claiming 23 wickets at an average of 37.87. Nonetheless, he was elevated to vice-captaincy due to injuries among senior players and notably scored 113 for the Prime Minister's XI facing the touring English team.

On the 1954–55 West Indies tour, Benaud demonstrated marked improvement, contributing substantially to Australia's series victory with 246 runs at an average of 41 and taking 18 wickets at 26.94. This period included his maiden Test half-century and a century during the Fifth Test held in Kingston.

During the 1956 England tour, Benaud played a pivotal role in Australia's solitary Lord’s Test win by scoring a brisk 97 runs and showcasing exceptional fielding skills. However, his overall consistency was lacking, finishing with 200 runs at an average of 25 and eight wickets at 42.5.

Benaud’s bowling reached its zenith during the subsequent leg of the tour through the Indian subcontinent (1956–57), highlighted by a career-best Test haul of 7/72 in Madras that secured an innings victory for Australia. He further cemented the series win in India with match figures of 11/105, concluding with a remarkable tally of 24 wickets at an average of just 17.66. His success against India distinguished him among spinners by maintaining a bowling average well below his career standard against one of cricket’s strongest spin-playing nations.

At this stage, Benaud had yet to consistently excel as both batsman and bowler simultaneously but had amassed 559 runs at an average of 27.95 and taken 67 wickets at 24.98 over his previous fourteen Tests.

On Australia’s New Zealand tour in 1957, Benaud emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 32 dismissals at an average of 19.31 across seven first-class matches, including three unofficial Tests where he claimed fifteen wickets at 21.73. During this tour, he discovered a remedy for finger soreness caused by his spin bowling action—a breakthrough that significantly extended his bowling career.

Peak years and captaincy

Richie Benaud’s peak international phase commenced during the South Africa tour of 1957–58. He surpassed Sydney Barnes’ record by taking a total of 106 wickets and scored an impressive aggregate of 817 runs, including four centuries—two of which came in Tests. His highest Test score was an authoritative 122 during the First Test in Johannesburg, aiding Australia in securing a draw. In Cape Town’s Second Test, Benaud’s bowling figures of 4/95 and 5/49 contributed to a commanding innings victory. Throughout the series, he maintained strong performances, notably delivering a match-winning all-round display in the Fourth Test with a century and crucial bowling contributions that helped Australia achieve a comprehensive 3–0 series triumph. He finished the series with impressive statistics: 329 runs at an average of 54.83 and thirty wickets at just under twenty-two runs each, firmly establishing himself as a premier leg spinner.

With Ian Craig sidelined due to illness early in the 1958–59 season, Benaud was appointed captain ahead of vice-captain Neil Harvey despite limited prior leadership experience. Under his guidance, Australia reclaimed the Ashes from England by winning the first two Tests and ultimately securing a dominant series victory by four matches to nil. His all-round performances included vital bowling figures coupled with astute captaincy; Neil Harvey remarked that Benaud introduced team meetings—a practice that has since become standard.

Subsequently, Benaud led Australia on their inaugural full tour of the Indian subcontinent, contesting three Tests against Pakistan followed by five against India. He took crucial wickets during Pakistan’s First Test win in Dacca and played a key role in Australia’s overall series victory by two matches to nil—the last Australian Test triumph on Pakistani soil until 1998. Against India, Benaud’s strong start contributed to an innings victory in the opening Test; although results varied in later matches, he concluded with noteworthy bowling figures that aided Australia in clinching the series two-one.

Across this tour, Benaud accumulated ninety-one runs at an average of 15.16 while taking twenty-nine wickets at just under twenty runs apiece. His initial two seasons as captain were highly successful: Australia won eight Tests, drew four, and lost only once under his leadership. During this peak period spanning eighteen Tests, Benaud’s personal contributions were significant—scoring six hundred thirty-six runs at an average near thirty-two and capturing one hundred eight wickets at approximately twenty runs each—averaging six wickets per match overall.

Later career

Benaud assumed leadership of Australian cricket during a challenging period with a relatively inexperienced squad. His natural, assertive captaincy style combined with engaging public relations efforts reignited enthusiasm for the sport, particularly evident during the 1960–61 Test series against the West Indies, which attracted record-breaking attendance despite Australia's smaller population at that time.

The opening Test in Brisbane concluded in the first-ever tied Test match, with Benaud and Alan Davidson choosing an offensive approach rather than settling for a draw. Although Australia found themselves in a difficult position at 6/92 while chasing 233 runs, their bold tactics brought them within reach of victory before several run outs resulted in the tie. Benaud’s bowling was less impactful in this game but he claimed 4/107 in a vital seven-wicket triumph in Melbourne. The West Indies later equalised the series as Benaud shouldered a substantial bowling workload due to Davidson’s injury. In Adelaide, he bowled extended spells and contributed 77 runs, aiding Australia to clinch a two-wicket victory in the final Test. The series ended 2–1 in Australia’s favour amid unprecedented public excitement, fueled by the leadership of both Benaud and West Indies captain Frank Worrell.

During his final tour of England in 1961, shoulder injuries limited Benaud’s participation, causing him to miss approximately one-third of the matches, including the intense "Battle of the Ridge" Second Test at Lord's. Nevertheless, his aggressive tactics ensured Australia lost only one Test throughout the tour. He delivered crucial performances at Edgbaston and Old Trafford, highlighted by an exceptional 6/70 that triggered an English batting collapse and secured retention of the Ashes. Concluding the series with 15 wickets at an average of 32.53, Benaud earned an OBE and was honoured as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1962.

The 1961–62 season was confined to domestic competition, with Benaud captaining New South Wales to victory in the Sheffield Shield by accumulating 64 points out of a possible 80. He topped the wicket-taking charts with 47 dismissals at an average of 17.97. His aggressive approach drew significant crowds, including nearly 18,000 spectators for a match against South Australia. In a notable fixture versus Victoria, he pushed for an unlikely win by scoring 140 runs during a record seventh-wicket stand of 255 runs completed in just 176 minutes.

During England’s 1962–63 tour of Australia under Ted Dexter’s captaincy, Benaud surpassed Ray Lindwall’s Australian record of 228 Test wickets amidst competition from Fred Trueman and Brian Statham for the world record. After a strong start, he experienced three less productive Tests before rebounding with key contributions in the Fifth Test that secured a draw and retained the Ashes. However, his defensive tactics in this match somewhat tarnished his reputation as an aggressive captain. The series concluded tied at 1–1, marking Benaud’s first drawn series after five consecutive victories. His bowling average exceeded 30 for the third straight series.

In the 1963–64 season, Benaud announced it would be his final campaign in first-class cricket. The opening Test against South Africa featured controversy when Ian Meckiff was called for throwing and subsequently retired after Benaud removed him from bowling duties. Injuries kept Benaud out of the Second Test, which Bob Simpson captained to victory. Upon his return, Benaud recommended Simpson continue as captain for the remainder of the season. His final Tests produced modest individual statistics but consistent batting performances.

Although awarded life membership by the New South Wales Cricket Association, Benaud returned this honour in protest after his brother John was removed from captaincy in 1970. He also led a Commonwealth XI against Pakistan during the 1967–68 season, marking his last appearances in first-class cricket.

Throughout Benaud’s tenure as captain, Australia remained undefeated in series competition and established itself as cricket’s dominant force globally through daring tactics and maximising player potential—particularly that of Davidson. Renowned for his unbuttoned shirt and lively on-field presence, he defied convention by celebrating opposition wickets with teammates. His leadership and magnetic personality played a crucial role in reinvigorating public interest in Test cricket during an era often regarded as dull.

Playing style

Although not a physically large spinner, Benaud was renowned for generating considerable bounce from the pitch. His precise and consistent bowling was complemented by cleverly concealed deliveries such as the googly and topspinner, which frequently misled batsmen. Subsequently, he incorporated the flipper—a delivery combining elements of the googly and topspinner—learned from Bruce Dooland. His nuanced variations in flight and angle applied relentless pressure on opposing batsmen. Benaud was a pioneer of bowling around the wicket, a tactic that later influenced prominent spinners like Shane Warne and Ashley Giles.[6] In addition to his bowling prowess, Benaud was recognized as one of the era’s elite close-in fielders, excelling particularly in gully and silly positions. As a batsman, he possessed a tall and slender frame with impressive hitting strength, especially evident in his lofted front-foot drives.[1]

Johnnie Moyes observed that Benaud combined effective spin with excellent control, persistently challenging batsmen until they were eventually dismissed.[7]

Cricket career highlights

  • Early in his career, Benaud reached a century against the West Indies in just 78 minutes, marking the third quickest Test hundred by time and second fastest by any Australian.[8]
  • He led Australia as captain during the inaugural 1960–61 Frank Worrell Trophy series against the West Indies, which featured the legendary Tied Test.[9]
  • His top Test score was 122 runs made against South Africa in Johannesburg during the 1957–1958 season.[10]
  • Best bowling figures in Tests: 7 wickets for 72 runs versus India at Madras in 1956–1957.[10]
  • Captained Australia in 28 Test matches, achieving 12 victories, 11 draws, one tie, and four defeats.[10]
  • In 1963, he became the first cricketer to complete the Test double of 200 wickets and 2,000 runs.[11] He ranks among only ten Australian players who have amassed over 10,000 first-class runs alongside more than 500 wickets.[12]
  • Concluded his Test tenure with 248 wickets—an Australian record at that time—averaging 27.03, and scored 2,201 runs at an average of 24.45.[10]

Media career

Following the England tour of 1956, Benaud remained in London to undertake a presenter training program with the BBC and began working as a journalist for the News of the World, initially covering police news before transitioning into sports writing. By 1960, he commenced radio commentary with the BBC and subsequently moved into television broadcasting.[12]

After retiring from competitive cricket in 1964, Benaud devoted himself entirely to cricket journalism and commentary. He worked with the BBC and later Channel 4 in the UK, as well as Australia's Nine Network. Over his career, he was involved in commentary or coverage for approximately 500 Test matches.[13]

Benaud openly criticized the Chappell brothers’ reaction to the underarm bowling incident of 1981 and notably left the commentary box during New Zealand’s historic Test victory at Lord's in 1999, allowing former captain Ian Smith to call that match-winning moment.[14] His commentary captured pivotal events such as Shane Warne's "Ball of the Century", Ian Botham's outstanding performance in the 1981 Ashes series, Dennis Lillee surpassing his own wicket record, and Andrew Symonds’ tackle on a streaker.[15]

The distinctive cream or white jacket he wore on air was reportedly suggested by Channel Nine owner Kerry Packer to help him stand out during live broadcasts.[16]

Benaud lent his voice to a computer-based parody named "Desktop Richie," which provided real-time Test match updates using samples of his commentary; this was created by Turtlez Ltd and featured on Channel 4's website.[12]

In 2004, he appeared in promotional advertisements for the Australian Tourism Commission endorsing travel to Australia with his catchphrase "Marvellous!".[17] He also participated in Richie Benaud's Greatest XI, where he selected an all-time cricket team.[18]

A staunch supporter of free-to-air cricket broadcasts, Benaud concluded his British commentary career after Channel 4 lost live Test broadcasting rights to subscription service British Sky Broadcasting. The final series he covered in Britain was the 2005 Ashes; his last commentary included a smooth narration of Glenn McGrath dismissing Kevin Pietersen at the Oval. Post-retirement from UK commentary, he intended to spend summers writing there while continuing work with Australia's Nine Network.[19]

He provided commentary for BBC TV highlights during the 2006–07 Ashes series while maintaining his role with Nine Network coverage.[20]

Benaud’s unique style became a source of inspiration for comedic impersonations on Australian shows such as Comedy Inc. and The Twelfth Man, with Billy Birmingham’s impressions gaining widespread popularity over two decades.[21] Additionally, Chris Barrie incorporated impressions of him into his stand-up routines.[22]

On 18 February 2009, Benaud announced his retirement from television commentary outside Australia but confirmed he would continue involvement with Australian cricket through 2010 before ceasing all other TV commentary commitments.[23]

Later that year on 15 November, he signed a three-year contract with Nine Network to remain engaged with cricket coverage until 2013. This role shifted from live ball-by-ball commentary toward special features and analytical segments. He stayed active within Nine’s commentary team through the 2011–12 season.[24]

Personal life

In 1953, Benaud wed Marcia Lavender, with whom he fathered two sons, Greg and Jeffery; their marriage ended in divorce by 1967. That same year, he remarried Daphne Surfleet, who had previously worked alongside English cricket journalist E. W. Swanton. The couple frequently spent time at their vacation residence located in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera.

Benaud's mother, Irene, died on 29 October 2008 at the age of 104. He attributed his fondness for vegetables to her influence, recalling a distinctive phrase she used to encourage him to eat before playing cricket.

In October 2013, while driving his classic 1965 Sunbeam Alpine near his Coogee residence, Benaud was involved in a car crash that resulted in a fractured sternum and shoulder injuries. This incident postponed his commentary duties for Australia's Channel Nine during the 2013–14 Ashes series.

He last presented "Baggy green" caps to Simon Katich and Mitchell Starc during their Test match debuts. Early in his career, Benaud lost his own cap; a replacement was planned to be handed over by former captain and Cricket Australia Director Mark Taylor at the 2015 Cricket World Cup semi-final. However, due to ill health, Benaud was unable to attend, and the cap was given to his wife shortly before he passed away.

Death

At age 84 in November 2014, Benaud revealed he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on 10 April 2015.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott extended an offer for a state funeral to Benaud’s family, but his widow Daphne declined in accordance with his preference for a private service.

Benaud was laid to rest on 15 April during a private ceremony attended by close family members. Later that day, a memorial service was conducted by former teammate and lay preacher Brian Booth. The gathering included relatives, intimate friends, and prominent former players such as Ian Chappell, Shane Warne, and Australian Test captain Michael Clarke.

Recognition

Benaud was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1961 for his contributions to cricket and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985. He earned a Logie Award for Most Outstanding Sports Broadcaster in 1999.

His induction into both the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame (2007) and the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2009) further acknowledged his impact on the sport.

In November 2015, the Bradman Foundation, where Benaud had served as a long-term patron, paid tribute to him. During the rain-interrupted 2016 SCG Test against West Indies, an unofficial "Richie Benaud Day" featured 501 impersonators remaining at the venue alongside Jane McGrath Day for Breast Cancer awareness.

In 2017, the Australian Mint released a commemorative 50-cent coin bearing Benaud’s image. Subsequently, in October 2018, he was named the 40th Legend inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Books

Benaud authored numerous cricket-related books, including:

  • The Way of Cricket (1961)
  • A Tale of Two Tests (1962)
  • Spin Me a Spinner (1963)
  • The New Champions (1966)
  • Willow Patterns (1969)
  • Test Cricket (1982)
  • World Series Cup Cricket 1981–82 (1982)
  • The Hottest Summer (1983)
  • The Ashes 1982–83 (1983)
  • Benaud on Reflection (1984)
  • The Appeal of Cricket (1995)
  • Anything But (1998)
  • My Spin on Cricket (2005)
  • Over But Not Out (2010)

See also

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named wisden
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  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named auslist
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  6. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  7. ↑ A.G. Moyes, With the M.C.C. in Australia 1962–63, pg. 32, The Sportsmans Book Club, 1965.
  8. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named cricinfobio
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  23. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Richie Benaud, the voice of Australian cricket to retire
  24. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Richie Benaud signs new three-year deal with Channel Nine
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