Nothing epitomises an Australian summer quite like family games of cricket: in the yard, on the beach and then watched in lounge rooms across the country.
But even for those who don’t get into the game itself, Richie Benaud was undoubtedly the face and the voice of the game, both in Australia and abroad. We grew up imitating his unique inflections when commentating on the family game of cricket in the backyard.
“And he’s hit the ball over the fence,” Dad might say in his best Benaud impersonation, as you hit a cracker into the neighbour’s yard.
Benaud is synonymous with Australian culture. He’s part of the zeitgeist, our identity. Sadly, after years battling skin cancer, he died in a hospice this morning at the age of 84.
Benaud, who began his cricketing career in the 1970s, later became a commentator for many years on Channel Nine. People have been mourning the death of the cricketing great by leaving posts and condolences on social media. Here’s how we’re sure to remember the cricket legend.
Richie Benaud was forever a gentleman
So sad to lose such a legend & gentleman.
Richie Benaud has passed away aged 84 overnight. pic.twitter.com/8pn2l1ZvxF— Sandra Sully AM 📺🎧📲🏑🌺 (@Sandra_Sully) April 9, 2015
He was a cricket legend and a great man
Thoughts are with Richie Benaud and his family today. Legend is a word that doesn't even come close to describing him. A great man.
— Neil Dutton (@ndutton13) April 9, 2015
He gave so many of us wonderful childhood memories
I have very fond memories of watching the cricket with my late Grandad and he regaled me with stories of the great Richie Benaud. #RIPLegend
— Steve Molk | The Guidefather | 👍🇦🇺📺 (@SteveMolk) April 9, 2015
He’s what you think about when you reminisce about Australian summers
Sad to hear about the passing of Richie Benaud. He's been a huge part of every summer I can remember. There has been no-one better. #Richie
— Peter Helliar (@pjhelliar) April 9, 2015
Then there was his trademark attire
The cream, the bone, the off-white… the jackets that became #RichieBenaud's trademark. http://t.co/SWbqCqzOWXpic.twitter.com/E87uhmXD4n
— ABC News (@abcnews) April 9, 2015
He made us fall in love with the game
Thank you, Richie Benaud, for making me love cricket so much when I was a girl. You made my life better. #84notout
— Annabel Crabb (@annabelcrabb) April 10, 2015
But it was his voice that will stick with us forever
RIP Richie Benaud… When I think of cricket I think of ur voice. #Legend
— Nate Tomlinson (@Nate_Tomlinson) April 9, 2015
Share your Richie Benaud memories with us in the comments section below.
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