Richie Benaud to receive rare honour posthumously

The late Richie Benaud was an accomplished cricketer but was more famous for his commentary skills

Former Australian cricketer and commentator Richie Benaud will receive the Bradman honour posthumously, for his outstanding contribution to the game, and will become the latest Bradman Honouree at the annual Bradman Foundation Gala dinner to be held on Wednesday night, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Benaud was a long-serving Patron of the Bradman Foundation and played a major role in establishing the ceremonial programme for which the gala is renowned. The 84-year-old who passed away this April, achieved more fame as a commentator in the game, than in his playing career. His commentary stint played a remarkable role in popularising the game among all sections of the society.

He traditionally selected, prepared and took to the stage to personally read the citation of the Bradman Honouree, a prestigious award issued annually to players who have made significant contributions to the international game while reflecting Sir Donald Bradman’s values of courage, honour, integrity, humility and determination.

Benaud’s wife Daphne will attend the star-studded event as the guest of honour and will receive the honour in memory of her husband. Previous honourees include Neil Harvey, Alan Davidson, Norm O’Neill, Sunil Gavaskar, Sir Richard Hadlee, Bob Simpson, Glenn McGrath, Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and the great Sachin Tendulkar.

Previous Bradman Honourees

2006: Norm O’Neill

2007: Neil Harvey, Sam Loxton

2008: Bill Brown, Arthur Morris

2009: Alan Davidson, Dennis Lillee

2010: Sunil Gavaskar, Adam Gilchrist

2011: Sir Richard Hadlee, Bob Simpson

2012: Rahul Dravid, Glenn McGrath

2013: Mark Taylor

2014: Steve Waugh, Sachin Tendulkar2015: Richie Benaud

https://t.co/VDIgUcF63G Richie Benaud named as honouree at the Bradman Foundation Gala Dinner… https://t.co/Qm4wHyuOrp

— Gérald (@GeraldIDK) November 11, 2015

The @scg by night... What a special place to honour the marvelous Richie Benaud #bradmangala #sydney #cricket pic.twitter.com/tS6MDzAq7G

— Julie Snook (@JulieSnook) November 11, 2015