Statement on Richie Benaud

The death of Australian cricket legend Richie Benaud will sadden millions of Australians who have never known our national game without him.

Richie was one of the most influential figures in the long and proud history of Australian cricket.

He was the voice of summer – and it’s hard to imagine future Australian summers without him.

Across five decades Richie’s career as a cricket commentator endeared him to cricket fans old and new. Richie set the standard for sports commentary in this country which will never be surpassed.

On the field Richie was as successful as he was off it, with an extraordinary Test career and as one of our most successful Australian captains.

Richie was a favourite son of NSW. Born and raised in Western Sydney, he forged a stellar career for NSW where he donned the baggy blue cap over 16 seasons on his favourite ground in the world, the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground.

It was close to the SCG, in Coogee, that Richie lived with his beloved wife Daphne for close to 50 years. All our thoughts are with Daphne and Richie’s family and friends today.

As a mark of respect, I have asked all flags on NSW Government buildings and establishments including the Sydney Harbour Bridge to be lowered to half-mast today.