17 memorable quotes of Richie Benaud, the greatest voice cricket ever had

Richie Benaud is no more. The words ‘end of an era’ are often thrown around liberally in the game of cricket. But this one sure feels like one.

The “voice of cricket”, Richie Benaud had a very successful Test career as a leg-spinner and as an Australian captain, having never lost a Test series under his leadership.

But if his playing career was remarkable, his second innings as a journalist and commentator was nothing short of legendary.

Just like his cricket, Richie had a no-nonsense approach to commentary. He never encouraged swank and always stood by what was right when it came to genuine issues related to the game.

Honest, earnest and quick-witted, Richie had an amazing knack of capturing the magic on the field with his simple words. Be it the opening montage of an Ashes series, paying tribute to a legend of the game, or an address at the Allan Border Medal ceremony, Benaud was Australian cricket’s go-to man for nearly four decades.

When you heard Richie’s voice, you felt right. You felt alive. You felt like an excited 10-year-old playing street cricket on hot, summer day.

Richie Benaud may be gone. But his words will stay with us forever. Here are some of his greatest quotes.

1. A no-nonsense approach to commentary

2. Giving an honest view

3. On captaincy

4. Leadership

5. Handling the media

6. After Shane Warne’s ‘ball of the century’ dismissed Mike Gatting in the 1st Ashes Test of 1993

7. 1981: Greg Chappell asked his brother Trevor to bowl under-arm to Kiwi batsman Brian McKechnie on the final of the Benson and Hedges World Series Cup to prevent New Zealand from scoring 6, which would have tied the game. The incident was widely criticised and Richie, despite being an Australian, didn’t hold anything back while calling it a disgrace.

8. On the great Don Bradman

9. Humour

10. Describing a streaker at Lord’s

11. Quick wit to describe slow-mo

12. Creating magic with words

13. More humour

14. Describing how he got skin cancer: Once again, Richie gives it to you straight.

15. A beautiful tribute to Phil Hughes

16. About his countless mimics

17. And on nostalgia

 

Tributes poured in on Twitter after the news of his demise broke early on Friday.

There hasn't been a commentator who watched and heard Richie Benaud and wished he could be as good. It is a very sad day for our game.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 10, 2015

A sad day to hear about the loss of Richie Benaud #RIP https://t.co/B6oHa9QP7w

— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) April 9, 2015

A true icon and legend of the game. R.I.P Richie Benaud

— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) April 10, 2015

Sad to hear the news on Richie Benaud, you were a great man, will always be in our hearts and live through your voice pic.twitter.com/OFtl7u3Lx0

— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) April 9, 2015

Like Neville Cardus,Richie Benaud defined an era.He was,in fact,the era. Whether or not that era survives,or remains relevant, I don't know

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 10, 2015

Respected and looked up to by all, you will be sorely missed #Legend Vale Richie Benaud #RIPRichie pic.twitter.com/ohfS8Jmbdo

— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) April 10, 2015

RIP, Richie. Your voice will be missed.

Richie Benaud's voice was calming, soothing. When he spoke, it was like being on your granddad's knee while he told you stories.

— Alt Cricket (@AltCricket) April 9, 2015