Richie Benaud, live from his lounge-room
Richie Benaud was absent from the commentary box last summer and although his health is still an issue after his car crash in October last year, he has been asked by Channel Nine CEO David Gyngell to be part of the commentary team from his lounge-room
27-Aug-2014
Richie Benaud was absent from the commentary box last summer and although his health is still an issue after his car crash in October last year, he has been asked by Channel Nine CEO David Gyngell to be part of the commentary team from his lounge-room. Benaud was also absent on Tuesday when he was inducted into the SCG Media Hall of Honour, and Andrew Webster in the Sydney Morning Herald considers just how important a part of the summer Benaud is for Australians.
Former Test opener Michael Slater remembers making his calling debut in England alongside Benaud for Channel 4. He was nervous, and in the heat of the call described a situation as a "tragedy". "Michael," Richie said in a commercial break. "You used the word 'tragedy'. The Titanic is a tragedy. Being bowled is not a tragedy." On another occasion, Slater said the "ball snuck under the bat". He asked Richie off-air if English viewers would understand the term "snuck". Benaud looked at him, then said nothing for several overs, before finally pulling Slater aside and pointing out the importance of accuracy and knowing your audience. "Michael, I know of plenty of 'uck' words," Benaud said. "But a 'snnnn' isn't one of them."