“He was a fine captain who gave all his players an equal opportunity to star. He did not differentiate between cricketers, could put his message across without offending them. Those who played with or against him will miss him,” said former Australian captain Bob Simpson on the passing away of the great Richie Benaud.
Speaking to The Hindu from his home in Sydney, Simspon said, “He was a very confident captain and was able to instil that confidence in the players. That was his biggest achievement as a leader.”
The 78-year-old Simpson played under the tactically suave Benuad in the immortal ‘Tied Test’ of 1960 in Brisbane. “That was a massive Test match because it changed the way people thought about the game then. He could so easily have played for a draw but Benaud went for a win. He was an aggressive captain.”
Precious abilityHe added, “I will savour being a part of that match and watching Benuad from up close. He was someone who had an enormous influence on cricket of that era. And he had that precious ability to pass on his knowledge to the others.”
Simpson said, “He could be tough but was always well spoken. That was a different era. Cricketers got on with their business.”
Talking about Benaud’s leg-spin, Simpson said, “He bowled very few bad deliveries and control was his strength. He could spin the ball and had variations.”
Simpson, however, was not willing to make comparisons. “I am not in favour of comparing different eras. Every era brings with it different demands.”
Simpson said Benaud could build pressure with his accuracy. “I remember Benaud and Alan Davidson (left-arm pace bowling spearhead) giving very little away and creating opportunities.”
Simpson said, “Benaud was a respected batsman who came up with several crucial innings for Australia. He was a top all-rounder and captain.”
As Simpson put it, life will not be the same without the genial Benaud.
