Richie Benaud announced this week that he will be retiring as a cricket commentator at the end of next Australian summer. I've written about my two encounters, as a fan, with the great Richie Benaud - the first when I was 14, the second when I was, er... 57. I've also written about the one time I saw Benaud playing in a Test. So to mark this occasion, I'll just quote what Ray Illingworth wrote about Benaud in his book on captaincy (Pelham, London 1980):
Strengths. A fitting man with whom to end the book. The nearest thing we are ever going to get to the perfect cricket captain. He matched boyish enthusiasm with ceaseless concentration, calculated attack and non-stop encouragement. He knew what made people tick, almost demanding that his bowlers should take wickets. The standard sermon was: 'C'mon Illy, you can do this fellow. I'll give you a couple of short legs.' After a while you would be so convinced of your talent, you would be prepared to put your life savings on capturing wickets.
Richie is still the complete professional, and uses the qualities he developed as a captain in television commentating. Just as he treated young players with care and respect, so he helps the occasional broadcaster - like me - by always giving prior warning if he requires your views.
Weaknesses. None. If you do not believe that you have not met Benaud. I guarantee: half an hour with him and he could persuade you to sell your grandmother.
As the man said: 'Everybody loves Richie.'