Ailing Benaud could call Tests from living room

SYDNEY, Aug 27 (AFP): Legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud could call Australia's Test series this summer against India from his home if he is not fit enough to be at the grounds, his boss said Wednesday.
The 83-year-old former Australia captain, who has worked in the commentary box since retiring from Test cricket in 1964, suffered chest and shoulder injuries during a car crash late last year.
It prevented him calling a single ball during the Ashes series against England last summer, and it remains unclear whether he will be able to travel for the India series.
Channel Nine has the cricket TV rights in Australia and chief executive David Gyngell told the Sydney Morning Herald that Benaud was so important he could call the games from his Sydney home.
Famed for his bowl haircut, beige jackets and engaging commentary, Benaud made his broadcasting debut on BBC Radio in 1960, moved across to BBC Television three years later and became a full-time cricket journalist and commentator when his playing career ended in 1964.