WICB pays tribute to Aussie legend Richie Benaud

Fri, Apr 10, '15

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board paid tribute to Australia legend Richie Benaud on Friday, after he passed away aged 84, following a prolonged illness.

“On behalf of the Directors, management and staff of the West Indies Cricket Board, let me share our deepest condolences on the passing of Australia legend Richie Benaud to his family and our colleagues at Cricket Australia,” said WICB President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron.

“The cricket world is in mourning, as we have truly lost an icon of the sport. To say Richie was revered would be an understatement. He will always be remembered as a legend of the game. His on-the-field competitive style and skill were only surpassed by his incredible positive influence off the field, where he also excelled as a television presenter.”

“To his wife Daphne, brother John and the entire Benaud family, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of each other as the days and weeks pass, and may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.”

Benaud, a leg-spinning all-rounder and shrewd, innovative captain, played 63 Tests between 1952 and 1964, leading the Australians on 28 occasions.

He is fondly remembered for his battle of wits with late, legendary West Indies captain Sir Frank Worrell during the 1961 Test series Down Under, which produced the first-ever tied Test and one of the most gripping series in history, widely acknowledged as helping to revitalise the Test format after a sombre period in the 1950s.

After his retirement, Benaud returned to the profession he had pursued prior to his entry into international cricket and became a highly respected television presenter of the game.