Former Australian cricketer and legendary commentator Richie Benaud's hoped-for return to the commentary box for his hometown Sydney Cricket Ground Test has been scrapped.
The Nine Network had left the door open for 84-year-old commentator to return for the fourth Test against India starting on Tuesday since he appeared at their summer of cricket launch at the SCG a month ago.
However Nine's head of sport Steve Crawley confirmed that Benaud hadn't been in touch about working at the Test and he accepted that it wouldn't happen, Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Crawley said that Benaud is a man of great manners and he knows that the offer is there and he would have made contact by now.
Former Australian skipper Benaud hasn't returned to the commentary box since a car crash left him with two crushed vertebrae 15 months ago and he revealed at Nine's cricket launch on December 6 that he was also undergoing treatment for skin cancer.
It was being speculated that Benaud could even contribute to the commentary from his lounge room, but that too is unlikely. Crawley said that he very much doubts the legendary commentator would be calling over the next five days.
But, Crawley added that if Benaud did decide to jump in a taxi and get over to the SCG, well, the door is always open to him.