By IANS
Sydney : Former Australia captain and world renowned cricket commentator Richie Benaud said he is honoured to have a sculpture of him erected at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here.
Benaud’s statue was Thursday unveiled as the first of 10 life-size sculptures to be placed around the cricket ground and Sydney Football Stadium.
“To be given the honour of having the first sculpture here is deeply appreciated and a great honour,” Benaud said as hundreds gathered behind the Ladies Stand for the unveiling of the statue.
Another three cricketers, and two players each from rugby league, rugby union and AFL will also have sculptures made as part of the Basil Sellers Sports Sculpture Project.
Benaud made his first class debut for NSW at the SCG in 1948, playing 259 games for his state.
He also made his Test debut at this ground in 1951-52, going on to take 248 wickets in 63 Tests.
At 77, Benaud has seen more Test cricket than any other person, alive or dead. He’s not sure of the current tally, but puts it around 520.
His immediate contract with Channel Nine ends this season, but he reckons there’s at least another one in line after this one, and might be beyond that.
“I’m very happy to keep going and I’m hopeful that Channel Nine will be happy to have me keep going,” he said after his final stint behind the microphone here Friday.