In praise of ... Richie Benaud

Warne or Flintoff? McGrath or Vaughan? Ultimately, these arguments are unresolvable. Two things, though, can be said about this Ashes series with which no one will disagree. First, that it has been the best thing that has happened to cricket in a generation. And, second, that the only sadness is that Richie Benaud has now made his last Ashes broadcast here.

In his day, Mr Benaud was a fine batsman, an outstanding bowler, a phenomenal gully, and arguably the best test captain the game of cricket - and certainly Australia - has ever produced. Yet since he hung up his boots more than four decades ago, he has been something more: cricket's greatest communicator.

Without ever raising his voice, Mr Benaud spoke more and better about cricket than anyone else. He could explain everything with authority, from the chinaman to the Duckworth-Lewis formula, but without any trace of ego. When he was at the microphone, nothing was missed but nothing was exaggerated. If there was nothing to say, he kept his mouth shut.

He is going now because test cricket has sold its broadcasting rights to satellite TV. Describing himself as "a free-to-air man", Mr Benaud has decided, at 74, that this is the moment to draw stumps. A great sport needs a great commentator and for 40 years Mr Benaud has been nonpareil. Hail and farewell, Richie.