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He also played cricket

Before he was a commentator, Richie Benaud was a shrewd captain and an ace legspinner, as he showed in the famous Old Trafford Test of 1961

VLive Sports DeskSyndicated Wire Coverage (ESPNcricinfo / Sports Feeds)
May 4, 2015, 5:40 AM
Richie Benaud dismisses Ted Dexter on the final day at Old Trafford
Richie Benaud dismisses Ted Dexter on the final day at Old TraffordGetty Images
Australia tour of England•TEST
RESULT
Australia
Australia
England
England
190 & 432
367 & 201(T:256)

Australia won by 54 runs

Match Summary

Match at a Glance & Key Facts

TournamentAustralia tour of EnglandSeason 1961
Venue

Old Trafford, Manchester

Manchester
Format & Details

TEST • MULTI

Australia won by 54 runs
Player in Focus
R Subba Row

Raman Subba Row

left-hand bat
ER Dexter

Ted Dexter

allrounder
KEY TAKEAWAYSQuick highlights & editorial summary
VLive Sports Desk
  • Editorial Angle:Analysis of He also played cricket: Before he was a commentator, Richie Benaud was a shrewd captain and an ace legspinner, as he showed in the famous Old Trafford Test of 1961 — assessing tactical impact and tournament progression.
  • Score Snapshot:AUS 190 & 432 vs ENG 367 & 201 — Australia won by 54 runs
  • Performance Milestone:Following a century stand with him, Subba Row - a 1961 Wisden Cricketer of the Year, as was Dexter - was bowled by Benaud, who had now dismissed four batsmen for 13 runs.
  • Tournament Context:Part of Australia tour of England 1961. Follow real-time tournament standings, fixture progression, and live scorecards on VLive.

Richie Benaud: On the fourth evening, Benaud asked the retired Ray Lindwall if he should bowl around the wicket the next day. Lindwall saw merit in exploiting the deep footmarks, but warned that if Benaud strayed he'd get killed. Benaud didn't. England batsman Ken Barrington called it Benaud's finest hour as a bowler and tactician. "This chap's always thinking." Looking at the empty ground after the incredible game, Barrington couldn't help exclaiming, "Isn't it marvellous!"

Ted Dexter: During the first Test, Dexter received an anonymous letter: "If you're England's No. 3, I'm the Queen of Sheba." He scored an exquisite hundred in that match, and here in the fourth Test, with England needing 256 in just under four hours, he put them on course for a 2-1 lead. EW Swanton wrote of Dexter: "He gave one the feeling that he always wanted to be at the more difficult end." On 76, he nicked a ball from Benaud that rose a bit but hadn't pitched in the rough.

Raman Subba Row: Dexter's wicket triggered a massive collapse. Following a century stand with him, Subba Row - a 1961 Wisden Cricketer of the Year, as was Dexter - was bowled by Benaud, who had now dismissed four batsmen for 13 runs. England went to tea needing 93 in 85 minutes. They were bowled out for 201, losing nine wickets for 51. Benaud, who had missed the Lord's Test due to a shoulder tear, finished with 6 for 70.

Wally Grout: Grout had complained when a long hop from Benaud was dispatched to the boundary by Dexter. "Stick with me Wal, we're going to win," Benaud said. After another long hop went for four, Griz, as the keeper was known, stared at his captain angrily. The next ball looked like it was short again, but this one skidded and Dexter cut it straight into Grout's gloves to give him his 105th Test dismissal. He had reached the century landmark at Lord's earlier in the series.

Bob Simpson: Simpson aided Benaud with his fifth and sixth wickets, diving left at slip to spectacularly catch David Allen. One of the finest in that position, Simpson said the best slip fielders can take catches that most fielders would only get a hand to - or not even that. He also added a vital 113 with Bill Lawry in the second innings. In his next Test innings at Old Trafford, Simpson batted nearly 13 hours for his maiden century, finishing with 311, in a match as dull as this one was thrilling.

© Getty Images

Syndication & Sourcing Notice: Match coverage, narrative reporting, and statistics are syndicated from ESPNcricinfo and cricket wire data feeds. Curated, formatted, and enriched with real-time match state, scorecard snapshots, and key takeaways by VLive Sports Desk. Read our Editorial Guidelines & Syndication Standards.

Related Topics
Australia tour of EnglandAustraliaEnglandRaman Subba RowTed DexterBob SimpsonWally GroutRichie Benaud

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