Richie Benaud OBE has been gone for over three years now, but he’s an immortal legend of the game.
He’s arguably the most iconic figure in modern cricket – how many other commentators have dozens of fans dressing up as him? It’s the kind of love that makes grown men sit in the sun for hours on end in those suits and wigs on 35 degree days.
His iconically nasal voice has the magical ability to take you back to endless summer arvos and Boxing Days spent with the cricket on in the background, a gentle buzz as you digest your ham toastie or steal sips of Mum’s beer – and a good Benaud impression is basically legal currency in some circles.
So when Fox’s cricket commentary team called on mic’d-up Melbourne Renegades wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman to entertain them with his best Benaud during Sunday’s Big Bash match against Adelaide, he did not disappoint.
“Right-o, I’ll see what I can do,” he says, pausing for the delivery, and then delivering.
SOUND UP: Absolutely brilliant from Tim Ludeman… or should we say Richie Benaud? ?
It didn't end here either. Full video: https://t.co/lFYzGYLl5u pic.twitter.com/eUllgwUCyJ
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 23, 2018
It’s absolutely bang-on. Better than your dad’s 12th Man CD.
Adam Gillespie is giggling like a schoolboy pretending the stumps are his junk. It’s adorable.
Ludeman then dropped in a bit of his cheeky Tony Grieg – the other voice of summer.
How good is @tludey Making sure cricket is fun. Thanks buddy. @FoxCricket https://t.co/xwJCp9EJii
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) December 23, 2018
You can watch the whole video on the BBL website.
It’s no Ellyse Perry smashing a ten off the final two deliveries of an innings, but it’s nice to see the boys in good spirits all the same.