麻豆社

As England continue their Ashes battle against Australia, Rory Bremner looks back on the career of Richie Benaud - the Australian cricketer and commentator whose death earlier this year saw an extraordinary outpouring of love and affection from players, friends and fellow journalists and commentators.

Former players talk about his remarkable abilities on the field - as Australia's leading leg spinner of the 50's and 60's, a dogged batsman, and a superb tactician and captain.

At the end of his playing career, he turned to journalism and eventually to television presentation and commentary, where he became the undisputed master of understatement. He was once described as the 'Sir David Attenborough of Australia'.

We hear his recollections, and his own commentaries, of some of the great moments of international cricket - from the 1960 Tied Test to Botham's Ashes and Edgbaston 2005 - and discuss his love of wine, France and his special role as President of the French Cricket Association.

We also touch on his diffidence to those who mimicked his style and delivery - although he did once remark, "Rory Bremner I have no problem with; he is a satirist and a very funny one too".

Produced by Will Yates and David Prest
A Whistledown production, first broadcast on 麻豆社 Radio 4.