In a shocking incident that took place recently, legendary Australian cricketer and commentator Richie Benaud met with a car accident. Notably, the 83-year old legend was driving back after a session of golf at Australian Golf Club, which is located in Rosebery. According to reports, Benaud was driving a 1963 Sunbeam Alpine, a car that he dearly loves, when he lost control, crashed into a parked vehicle and subsequently, a bricked fence. Sources claim that the great commentator was rushed to Wales hospital located in Sydney for treatment. A resident of Coogee, the great Australian suffered from injuries to his shoulder, chest and sternum but is stable at the moment.
Benaud has an excellent reputation in circles of Australian cricket and features regularly in honorary events. Even in this case, Benaud was set to take part in an event organised by Bradman Foundation at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This event, scheduled for 30th October, will be inducting former Australian cricketer and captain Mark Taylor as a Bradman honoree. Strangely, Benaud, after coming to a stable condition, said that he was more worried about his car than himself. Sources say that Richie Benaud loves his car and was aggrieved to see it getting damaged.
The former Australian leg spinner is an integral part of the commentary team of Channel Nine, without having any official contract. There is a lot of action coming up on field as the season kicks off soon and Channel Nine looks set to miss the presence of perhaps its best commentator. In an official statement, representatives from the network said that no call has been taken on Benaud's participation in the Ashes Test series, which begins in November in Brisbane.
Many cricketers have expressed their grief over this incident and have wished him fast recovery. Mark Taylor, who is about to be honoured soon at the Bradman Foundation function, spoke about him. “I'd sad to hear the news but I'm glad to hear he's in pretty good spirits. 'At the end of the day inducting me as a Bradman honoree is the last thing on his mind and it should be. My words to him would be 'just get better'. He can shake my hand when we turn up to the first Test match,'' he was quoted as saying.
Off late, Benaud, due to health issues, has reduced the number of matches in which he commentates. However, he was set to return for the Ashes series against England, which is one of the most watched cricketing events in the world. Officials from Channel Nine spoke about how important Benaud is, not only for the channel but for Australia as well. David Gyngell, a top official at the network, said, "Richie is a national treasure. 'In the Nine family, he sits at the head of the table. As always he and [Benaud's wife] Daphne have our support and Richie will return to call the coming Ashes series against England - his 36th summer in Nine's Wide World of Sports commentary box - when he is good and ready.''
