What can we learn from the 'Voice of Cricket'?

As some of you will know I grew up playing cricket in my school days and for a few years after. Believe it or not, cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. I've heard that it could be number two in the world after football (soccer). (Thank you India.)

Because cricket goes on for as long as 5 days, the whole television coverage has to be on point and some of the commentators can become as famous as some of the players.

One of the famous commentators was Richie Benuad. Benaud was a player in the 1950's and 1960's and become a commentator after that. He basically followed the sun by working in England and Australia and few would argue that he was the voice of cricket.

Richie Benaud had a small list of rules for his cricket commentary that could easily be transferred to any part of life.

1. Never ask for a statement

2. Remember the value of a pause. Think before you blurt out anything.

3. There are no two teams in the world called 'we' or 'they'.

4. Avoid cliches and banalities such as 'he's hit that to the boundary', 'he won't want to get out now', 'of course, as you can see on the screen'. 

5. The Titanic was a tragedy, the Ethiopian drought a disaster, and neither bears any relation to a dropped catch. So true. You have to put everything into perspective.

6. Put your brain into gear before opening your mouth. Think before you speak. This is related to number 2.

7. Concentrate fiercely at all times. I believe that this is all about focus. You have to be focused on what you are working on. I lost focus recently and it cost me a lot.

8. Above all, don't take yourself too seriously and have fun. I think that this one is the most important. If life can't be fun.

Rest In Peace Richie Benaud.

P.S. I'm sure that Richie would have been disgusted by what happened in Cape Town over the weekend. Not a good look for Australian cricket.