Marvellous: Benaud Honoured in Media Centre Re-naming

The Sydney Cricket Ground Media Centre has been re-named after an icon of Australian media – Richie Benaud. 

The Richie Benaud Media Centre was officially unveiled on Tuesday at the SCG by Daphne Benaud, wife of the late Richie, long-time teammate and colleague Bill Lawry and SCG and Venues NSW Chairman Tony Shepherd. 

Benaud was a brilliant all-rounder during his 12-year Australian Test career, becoming the first player to accumulate 2000 runs and 200 wickets.  

As a broadcaster, his contribution was unrivalled over four decades. 

Former Australian teammate Lawry paid tribute to his close friend at the opening of the Richie Benaud Media Centre at the SCG.

“Richie Benaud was not only a great cricketer, not only a great writer but possibly one of the best television personalities in the world of cricket,” Lawry said.

Daphne said it’s a proud honour for the Benaud family. 

“The SCG was home base for Richie – he played his first and last Test matches here, he commentated on countless games at the SCG over a span of more than 40 years. It all reinforced Richie’s belief in the positive power of sport and technology,” Mrs Benaud said. 

“After his playing days, Richie saw himself as one of a team – a media team that did their utmost to present sport in the best possible way. 

“I know he would like all of those media pioneers and colleagues to be recognised for their consistent improvement in sports coverage.

“Richie would be very proud and honoured to have this place named the Richie Benaud Media Centre, and as Richie would say, 'It’s simply marvellous'.” 

Shepherd said it is fitting recognition for an icon of Australian media. 

“The new Richie Benaud Media Centre honours an Australian who has contributed so much to sport both on the field and off it – an icon of his particular field of sport,” Shepherd said.