‘Marvellous’ Richie to retire

If there was anything I loved about Australian cricket, it was the thrill of watching Richie Benaud helm Channel 9 highlights. You can say he epitomized cricket commentary. There was nothing superfluous or gushing, but along with Channel 9’s innovative technology, the highlights was an enlivening experience.

Needless to add, I will surely miss his pithy comments and insights.

Hat Tip: Mike Norrish

Cricket commentator Richie Benaud announced he will retire in 2010, thus ending nearly half-a-century of broadcasting which made him an icon in the sport.

Benaud was the captain of Australia in 1958, and claimed 248 wickets in 63 Tests, while hitting three centuries.

Some of his signature comments:

• Good morning everyone
• Captaincy is ninety per cent luck and ten per cent skill, but don't try it without that ten per cent
• There were congratulations and high sixes all round
• Laird has been brought in to stand in the corner of the circle
• And it's time for a glass of something chilled
• Marvellous!
• Two for twenty-two (a reference to the comedy series The Twelfth Man in which humorist Billy Birmingham sends up the accent Richie uses to say "Two for twenty-two")
• What a catch!
• What a delivery.
• ...And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just ninety-eight runs short of his century.
• That was an absolute cracker.''
• Stirring moments''

Good luck Richie and wishing you the health to enjoy ‘something chilled’ for years to come.