Australia's Test team skipper Michael Clarke has dubbed former cricketer and legendary broadcaster Richie Benaud as the ultimate gentleman and revealed that the late commentator loved seeing Australia win, but more importantly he wanted the game played the right way.
Benaud passed away overnight in his sleep aged 84 on Friday after battling skin cancer. And Clarke has stated that the commentary doyen would be greatly missed.
Clarke revealed that the very first time he met Benaud, whom the skipper has dubbed as the Godfather of Australian cricket, he addressed him as 'Mr. Benaud.' He added that the legendary commentator's reply was, 'Young man please call me Richie.'
Clarke stated in his column for the Daily Telegraph, that cricket is often spoken about as the gentleman's game, and added that Benaud was the ultimate gentleman. He said that on behalf of the Australian cricket team, their thoughts go out to the late cricketer's family and his wife Daphne, with whom he shared his greatest partnership.
Clarke claimed that growing up, Benaud's voice was the sound of cricket and the late commentator is synonymous with everything he knows and remembers about the game. He revealed that Benaud, Bill Lawry, Ian Chappell and Tony Greig were the four commentators that he heard on television day after day after day.
Also Read
The skipper claimed that all four loved cricket so much, and if one was in the other room or in the backyard and heard their excitement, one would sprint back to the TV to see what was going on.
Clarke claimed that cricket simply won't be the same without Benaud, adding that his passing marks a terribly sad day for the Australian cricket family and sport in general.
Clarke revealed that even in recent times, Benaud was very close to the current group of players and he was fortunate enough to spend some time over the years with the commentating doyen to just talk cricket.
Clarke revealed that Benaud loved seeing Australia have success, but more importantly the former legspinner wanted the game played the right way.
Clarke revealed that Benaud is an idol to so many people because of the way he handled himself both on and off the field, adding that he was an enormous presence for those who play and love the game.
