John Benaud - Randwick Petersham Cricket Club - Heroes of the Ages
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | February 16, 2023
John Benaud was Randwick’s first Test cricketer. Disappointingly his career was brief, spanning just three matches and robbing the cricketing public from one of the more dashing and entertaining batsmen of his time.
He ventured to Coogee Oval in the spring of 1969 as an established State player who became captain of the NSW Sheffield Shield team that season, Benaud’s presence in the Randwick 1st XI as captain and punishing batsman did wonders for the spirit and morale of the team. He instilled in the players a purpose for a more aggressive brand of cricket which was a feature of his leadership at the first-class level.
An aggressive right-hand batsman, in four years and 34 matches with Randwick, John Benaud scored 1,161 runs. His top score was a power-packed 92 in 90 minutes against Waverley at Waverley Oval in 1972-73 laced with six fours and five sixes. He and Ron Crippin put on 150 in 74 minutes for the fourth wicket. The next match he belted 69 against St George at Coogee to win in the last over.
Benaud’s influence was of greater value to the club than the runs he scored. Young players throughout the club, not just those in the 1st Grade side, prospered under his leadership. The Benaud effect was extended when big brother Richie took over the reins for two matches in 1969-70 when John was on State duty.
Randwick Petersham Heroes of the Ages proudly sponsored by Mr Taxman
In 1972-73 John made his Test debut when selected to play against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval. His selection caused great excitement at Coogee Oval as it was the first time a Randwick player had participated in a Test match in the club’s 51 years in 1st Grade. He also played in the 2nd Test at the MCG over the 1973 New Year period and scored a mammoth 142 off 207 balls in the second dig hitting 18 fours and two sixes. Amazingly, he put together that innings in the knowledge that he had been dropped from the 3rd Test which was to be played a few days later at the SCG.
As a member of the Randwick Petersham Legends Society, John has been a generous donor of the annual award for the leading A W Green Shield under 16 years player.
