Apprentice pundit honoured to have learned from a master of his

THERE is so much to learn from a legend like Richie Benaud and I'm just grateful to have had the chance to sit alongside him in the commentary box during this series.

It was easy to respect him when I was a player, because his views were always measured. Whether praising or criticising you, he never went over the top.

And since I've moved to the other side of the fence, everything I've seen and heard has merely strengthened my opinion that Richie is a one-off.

Everyone knows of his great ability to let the picture tell the story and only to speak if words add something to what the viewer can see. But, as someone trying to learn a job that he has done so brilliantly for so long, I've been fascinated by his professionalism and dedication to detail.

For example, when you've watched as much cricket as Richie has it would be easy to think you know pretty much everything that will happen out there. But the Laws of the Game booklet is always by his side in the commentary box and he will be the first to delve into it when something out of the ordinary comes up.

Then, when Richie is not on air, he spends a lot of time on his computer, keeping up with events in other cricket matches going on around the world.

True, he makes sure he is up to date with his beloved horse racing as well.

But the way he researches is a lesson for anyone who thinks they can cut corners.

I guess you have to be really in love with the game to do that. And Richie still is.

Some people who played in a different era are forever harking back. But not Richie. He is happy to pick out something from the past but just as content to deal with the present, which is why players of all ages hold him in equally high regard.

As for the viewers, a recent survey in this country confirmed that Richie is as popular with them as ever. He finished top of the poll by a mile.

Richie Benaud is unique. Simple as that.

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