Before the markets kick into gear it's only appropriate, as we head toward the end of the Australian trading day, that we pay tribute to an Aussie icon who has sadly passed away today aged 84
Richie Benaud was so much more than a hugely talented,ney legendary, cricketer,captain,broadcaster and author with an unrivalled understanding of the game. He was cricket to millions of people around the world and that includes many who knew nothing about the game but could easliy recognize his dulcet tones filling the airwaves
Even I am too young to remember him as a player but as a broadcaster he was a massive part of my childhood and adult life in my enjoyment of the noble game, and his passing leaves a huge hole but an outstanding legacy
I had the pleasure of speaking with him a couple of times at Lords and while yes he could be a bit prickly on occasion he was a real gent, and one never doubted his absolute passion and knowledge of the game he loved and served so well
Aussie comedian Billy Birmingham, aka The 12th Man, immortalised Richie in his beautifully observed sketches and pays his own poigant tribute here
The BBC carries more here
Rest well Richie, and thank-you
