Saturday 11 April 2015 12:13, UK
Former England skipper David Gower says Richie Benaud made the notoriously difficult art of commentating 'look easy.'
Benaud, who died at the age of 84 in Sydney having battled skin cancer, played 63 Tests before retiring in 1964 to pursue a career in journalism and broadcasting.
His final commentary in England came during the 2005 Ashes series but he continued to work for Channel Nine in his homeland until 2013.
He is widely recognised as being cricket's most revered and respected commentator, and one of the finest in any sport.
Gower said he valued the advice given to him by the former Australia captain.
He told Sky Sports News HQ: “One of the first bits of advice he gave me was engage brain before speaking, which I’ve tried to do.
“He always seemed to have time as a commentator - you need to get the right words in order and the right combination.
“There are many quotes, my favourite is the one about captaincy. 'Captaincy is 90 per cent luck and ten per cent skill – but don’t do without the 10 per cent.'
“It’s the ability to sum things up just like that set him apart.
“Like so many people who made it look easy, he put in a lot of time.
“He was so respected all around the world.
“Everyone who has watched a game of cricket, will know something about Richie Benaud - they know the voice and the catchphrases.”
