Richie Benaud, popularly known as the “voice of cricket” has died at the age of 84. The legendary cricketer-turned-commentator was battling skin cancer.

Former Australian cricketer and captain Richie Benaud died at the age of 84

Benaud was renowned for being one of the best all-round cricketers displaying skills in lower order batting and leg spin bowling. In first-class cricket, he amassed 945 wickets and scored over 11,000 runs at an average of 39.50.

The former Australian cricketer and captain retired in 1964 after a successful international career thereby focussing on broadcasting and journalism. The last time Benaud was heard commentating was during the 2005 Ashes series.

Richie Benaud commentated the last time during the 2005 Ashes series

When it came to cricket commentary, many individuals in the commentary box looked up to him for not only the fashion in which he delivered updates, but also his witty puns. One of his popular witticisms included Glenn McGrath, when the Australian tail ender got out for two runs, “And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just ninety-eight runs short of his century”.

The news of Richie’s death led to tributes flooding on different social media platforms. He had an inspiring career and was glorious when it came to mic skills.

The story of Benaud becoming a true Test cricketer begins in Australia’s 1957 tour of South Africa. The following year, he was handed the team’s reins, which was a massive achievement in his personal career.

Richie Benaud as photographed in 1961

Richie Benaud was also responsible for Australian cricket team opening its arms to the media, which was not a common practice before he became the captain.

The person who was responsible for teaching leg spin to Benaud was his father. Richie went on to master the art of traditional leg spin bowling and added other weapons like the flipper, googly and top spinner to his arsenal.

Since making his international debut for Australia in 1952, Benaud was part of 63 Test matches (28 of which he captained). As captain, he won five out of the seven Test series taking Australia to the top of world cricket in the process.

The former Australian cricketer was also a hit among the local cricket followers. On numerous instances, the fans parodied his look in the stands wearing a white wig, posh suit and a microphoneRichie Benaud was part of the Channel Nine commentary team that included legends such as Tony Grieg, Ian Chappell and Mark Taylor.

In 1961, Richie was offered the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions towards the game of cricket. He is survived by his wife of 48 years and two children.

Richie Benaud was the recipient of the coveted OBE

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During tomorrow’s India vs Australia match, you can expect massive scoring, records being broken and sledging, to name a few.

With 70% of stadium tickets bought by Indians, Australia captain Michael Clarke was forced to send out an SOS Tweet to his fellow countrymen for support.

I call on all Australian cricket lovers to paint the SCG gold on Thursday. We need your support. #goldout

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 20, 2015

Former Australian pace bowler Brett Lee believes that the hosts will outperform the Asian team, in the process setting up the final clash against New Zealand.

However, with the Indian fans painting the Sydney Cricket Ground blue, MS Dhoni and his men will get the much-needed motivation to beat Australia in its own backyard. Rohit Sharma appeared confident before this important clash, as he spoke to the media, “Of course we can win, no question about it. We know how to play big games. Spinners have been vital, responsibility will be on openers.”

India will rely on its openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan for a steady start, making batting simpler for the middle-order batsmen including Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina.

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan’s opening partnership will be crucial

Australia, on the other hand, would be confident playing at home and try hard to get one step closer to winning their fifth World Cup.

The Aussies bowling spearhead Mitchell Johnson has vowed to sledge Indian batsmen at the SCG tomorrow. The audience at the ground and the one watching from home can anticipate a few verbal spats between players of the two squads.

Mitchell Johnson said he would take up sledging against Indian players

It was the recently concluded tri-series when Australian opening batsman David Warner engaged in a verbal duel with India’s Rohit Sharma during an ODI match, for which he was penalised by the ICC. The outcome of it was Warner keeping out of any kind of heated verbal interacting with his opponents. This was when Mitchell Johnson put his hand up saying he won’t withhold from exchanging heated words.

India, too, are said to be fine with sledging during the match, but vowed to not cross the line.

Former Australian pace bowler Stuart Clarke has predicted Ravichandran Ashwin as being the most difficult man to tackle for Australia in tomorrow’s bout against India.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s 10 overs against Australia would be crucial

After its win against Bangladesh in the quarter-finals, India successfully managed to bowl out an opponent for the seventh consecutive match. Indian bowlers would be looking to take the tally to number eight tomorrow against one of their bitter rivals.

The Australian opening pair of Aaron Finch and David Warner has not performed at its best potential, which would be a plus side for India. Nevertheless, their middle-order batting has risen to the occasion whenever needed and getting them out would be the key.

Australian opening partnership of Aaron Finch and David Warner has not really clicked

India’s pace attack comprising Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami possess the ability to get ten wickets and they have shown it in the prior seven occasions. Knowing whether they would be able to repeat the feat tomorrow will have to wait.

Though Australia, as hosts and a much superior team as compared to India, looks likely to win this match, India will definitely put up a strong fight and hope to retain the World Cup for the first time.

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