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Loading ...I can quite honestly say that Richie formed part of what was surely the dream-team of cricket commentary in the 1970s and early ’80s, when the BBC still cared about cricket, alongside the gentle, yet authoritative Jim Laker. Isn’t it funny that one’s opinions are shaped by those who have gone ? If this were a poll to name the best commentator of all time, then you would have to rate John Arlott very highly, may be even Brian Johnston; in terms of the radio, however, John Arlott walks away with it.
Benaud the choice of thousands
By Will 5 years ago, mid-August Add your comment below
As you will no doubt know, The Wisden Cricketer and Cricinfo have been running a poll to gauge fan’s opinions as to their favourite commentator. Unsurprisingly, Richie Benaud won. Read the article, then send us in your thoughts to commentary@cricinfo.com (if you want)
Tags: commentary, Richie-Benaud |
9 Responses to “Benaud the choice of thousands”
August 17th, 2005 at 1.00 pm
August 17th, 2005 at 2.08 pm
Absolutely! A friend of mine can imitate Arlott to a T and always cracks us up at parties. And I still have the highest respect for Benaud.
Shame though, to see the TV blokes right up there with little recognition for those overseas or on radio. At least Sidhu managed a few votes. Sorry too, for Mike Haysman from SA, who does a better job that Mark Nicholas.
August 17th, 2005 at 2.22 pm
Thanks for your comments which you emailed, Wraye, enjoyable read!
August 17th, 2005 at 4.19 pm
you’re welcome, Will. Sorry have contributed so little in the past few days – been really crook.
August 17th, 2005 at 10.28 pm
Been crook myself Wraye too – get well soon
August 17th, 2005 at 10.31 pm
Andrew – sorry not to have replied to your interesting comment. I missed Arlott’s commentary but my Dad spoke highly of him, and “rated” him above Johnners. As far as radio goes, Johnners will always be my favourite – although from what I have heard of him, Arlott sounded as though he was even more a “people’s choice” than Johnners. I must have a look and see if there are any snippets of Arlott’s commentary. Wasn’t he the first to use the phrase “[giving it the] kitchen sink”?
August 18th, 2005 at 2.07 pm
think so. But Johnners was also a gem – visit his website and listen to the bloopers. Sheer joy.
As regards current phrases in cricket, I personally despise the phrases “put your hand up” and “coming to the party” which seem to have become popular with commentators and players recently. One can also get quickly fed up with Boycott’s mum and his stick of rhubarb.
Regards the current Aussies bowlers facing reverse swing, let’s resurrect the old Yorkshire heckle, “Chuck ‘im a piana an’ see if he can play that!”
August 19th, 2005 at 12.01 am
Anyone who voted for David Lloyd should be shot. If you replace Greig and Boycott for Holding and Colville, and possibly brought back Reeve and Ian Smit, the Channel Four team is utterly peerless.
January 23rd, 2006 at 1.47 pm
nicname of cricketer who turned empire is nicknamed rhubarb
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