Channel Nine to allow Richie Benaud to do commentary from home for India's tour of Australia

David Gyngell says Richie Benaud could be the ultimate arm chair caller from couch

The famous broadcast commentator and former Aussie captain Richie Benaud could call India vs Australia Test series from his home if he is not fit enough for the Test series during this summer.

An integral part of Channel Nine

The legendary commentator is still believed to be recovering from a severe back injury after suffering a car crash near his Cooge home last year. The injury was serious enough for Richie to skip the 2013-14 Ashes series.

Channel nine holds the broadcast rights in Australia for the Indian tour this summer. The absence of the highly rated commentator was felt during the last Ashes tour.

However, taking into consideration the legend’s status behind the mic, Channel Nine Chief executive David Gyngell, while talking to Sydney Herald, said the legendary commentator was such an integral part of commentary panel that he could call from his home itself rather than being on the ground.

Australian fans dressed as Richie Benaud during an Ashes Test

The ultimate armchair caller

Gyngell regarded Richie as a ‘national treasure’ and says he has no doubt that he is right on the head of table in the nine family.

"That's what I've put to him,If he's not up to calling from the ground this summer, I'd like him to call from home. He'd be the ultimate armchair caller from the couch, wouldn't he?

"I'd prefer to have him calling at the ground, but I would say that will be difficult. If I have my way, he will be calling it from his home but it is completely his decision." Gyngell said.

The ailing but resilient voice of cricket, Benaud made his debut as a commentator on BBC Radio in 1960. His cricketing carreer ended in 1964 and after that he moved to BBC television and later on shifted to becoming full time cricket journalist and commentator.

Famously known for his bowl haircut, Richie has been working for Nine Network since 1977.