Booth, 81, born and bred at Perthville, said he was not shocked to hear of Benaud’s death, as it was common knowledge he had been suffering from skin cancer. 

However, when Booth’s son-in-law rang shortly before 10am yesterday to tell him the news, there was still a feeling of sadness combined with fond memories of his playing days with the former Australian skipper.

“Richie’s passing was expected and evidently it was only a matter of time because of his medical situation,” Booth said yesterday.

“So, under the circumstances it came as no surprise, but that feeling was accompanied by fond memories of my association with him through cricket and having had the privilege of playing with him and him being my Test captain.

“He was also my friend in later life because you build relationships with people because of your association with the team, both NSW and Australia. Even though we were not spending a lot of time together socially, the fact he knows you means he was always accepting and supportive.”

Booth recalled being told personally by Benaud that he was in the Aussie XI for the fourth Test against England in July 1961.

“I had been 12th man for the first and second Tests, but had played a lot of minor country matches already on tour,” he said. “We were at the nets at Old Trafford the day before the match got underway and Richie walked up to me and said: ‘Brian, congratulations. You will be playing tomorrow in the Test as Colin McDonald is unavailable due to injury.’

“I was to bat at number six, but to be honest I would have been happy to bat at number 11 just to be in the side.”

For the record, Booth scored 46 in the first innings and only nine in the second dig, the Aussies winning the match by 54 runs.

“I would have remembered that first Test whatever the result. It could have been my first and last Test. The match had such a dramatic turnaround and most of it was due to Richie with the ball,” he said. 

“England only had to get 250 to win the match and were about 1-150 and Richie had got that wicket. He then started bowling around the wicket into the footmarks left by Fred Trueman. He got Ted Dexter and then knocked over Peter May, bowled around his legs for nought after he’d made 95 in the first innings.”

Booth said Benaud had charisma.

“Everyone who played with or against him had enormous respect for him. He was held in the highest regard,” he said. “He loved to keep the game alive and didn’t like settling for a draw.”

Booth said Benaud always “made you feel confident in your own ability and encouraged you to consider the team first and foremost”.

Richie Benaud was 84.