Former Australia captain Richie Benaud died on April 10, 2015, aged 84 years. He was also a famous commentator.
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Cricket Australia and the West Indies Cricket Board will pay tribute to the memory of Richie Benaud with a medal struck in his honour. The Richie Benaud Medal will be presented to the player-of-the-series in the current and all future Test series between Australia and West Indies. (Read more cricket stories here)
The Frank Worrell Trophy, honouring one of the Caribbean community’s finest cricket captains, is already contested between the two nations. Benaud and Worrell are synonymous with Australia versus West Indies contests. Benaud passed away on April 10, 2015, aged 84 years. Worrell died in March, 1967. (Adam Voges, James Pattinson Shine as Australia Beat West Indies in Hobart Test)
As opposing captains in 1960-61 they are credited with reviving Test cricket through a vibrant series which began with the famous tied Test in Brisbane. So popular were the West Indies and so grateful was the Australian public for the spirit in which they played that the touring team was given a motorcade through the streets of Melbourne. (Australia Draw With West Indies in Sydney Test)
Benaud’s family said it was delighted that he would continue to be recognised for his prominent role in cricket.
“Australia’s relationship with the West Indies and his personal friendship with Frank Worrell meant so much to Richie,” said Benaud’s wife Daphne. “This is a wonderful honour and we are delighted that his name will forever be linked to series played between the two teams.”
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said it was fitting that the Medal will be awarded in Sydney at the end of the third and final Commonwealth Bank Test. Australia lead the three-Test series 2-0.
“The Sydney Cricket Ground was Richie’s favourite stage, where he performed many fine feats for New South Wales and Australia,” Sutherland said.
“Richie made an enormous contribution to cricket across almost 70 years and we are delighted that this will continue to be recognised.”
West Indies Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead commended Benaud for the enormous contribution he made on the field as a player and captain and off it as a broadcaster for half a century.
“The WICB fully supports the initiative and gives full recognition to the impact Richie Benaud had on and off the field for Australia. In his memory we support CA’s efforts to use his legacy to inspire the cricketing world.
“The rivalry which existed back then and what we hope to return between Australia and the West Indies will signify the contribution Richie made.”
(With inputs from Cricket Australia)
Source: NDTV