Richie Benaud’s death: Cricket has lost an important link with the pristine past

Richie Benaud’s death: Cricket has lost an important link with the pristine past

• Richie Benaud will sorely be missed

“And Glenn McGrath dismissed for two, just ninety-eight runs short of his century,” stated Richie Benaud at the fall of the last Australian wicket. There were a million ways in which the veteran could’ve described the dismissal; but he chose the best. A bit of wit, a bit of unexpected words peppered around, Benaud made commentary an art that would complete the action on field.

He was prudent with his usage of words, often letting the action on field take over, if that best suited the coverage. He was slow, but intelligent, witty and most importantly gripping. He lent his voice to nearly 500 Tests spanning over five decades, making him synonymous with the game.

For long the action in Australia wouldn’t start without the co-commentator greeting Benaud, who in return would appreciate the weather like only he could. Be it on television of video games, Benaud’s commentary completed cricket.

He believed in brevity and not stating the obvious. He made sure that words were precious and used them effectively. “My mantra is: Put your brain into gear and if you can add to what’s on the screen then do it, otherwise shut up,” he would say. His death came at a time when commentary is used up as advertising space, at a time when there is an abusive dismissal of the art form in the loud and glittery happenings of T20 cricket.

The fact that a very fine cricket career is overshadowed by his commentary stint is in itself the greatest tribute that could be paid to the legend.

via NorthEast Calling http://ift.tt/1Ptybtw