The dulcet tones of Richie Benaud seemingly became part of cricket itself.

As did his cream, his white and bone suits.

There isn't a time I can remember when Richie wasn't around the commentary team.

I'm not old enough to have ever seen the former Australian captain play but tales of his aggressive but respectful captaincy are stories I've heard many times.

You only need to look around on social media to see the outpouring of emotion and tributes to see this man transcended the game.

He was respected by cricketers all over the world while there isn't a cricket fan anywhere who hasn't tried their best Richie impersonation when uttering the phrase "marvellous effort, that" or "two for twenty-two".

Sitting at any cricket ground in Australia you can guarantee when the score reaches 22 there is always someone who clears the throat and pronounces it in the famous "chwenty-choo" style made synonymous with Richie.

The current batch of commentators the world over may include some of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game but there are few who can have audiences hanging on every word, eagerly awaiting for the next statement following that famous pause of Richie's between his insights.

As always, the game will go own but for all us cricket fans, the sport is poorer without him.

Vale Richie, the game isn't the same without you.

o o o

I also just want to take a moment to pay tribute to a friend.

The news of the heartbreaking death of Stephanie Scott has rocked all of us who new her, and the wider community as whole, right to the core.

Growing up in the small town of Canowindra alongside Steph and her fiance Aaron, sport was a massive part of life. Much like it is in Dubbo, Steph and Aaron's home town of Leeton, and so many other country areas.

I played countless games of various sports with and against Steph and many other friends growing up. Those memories will now last me a lifetime.

Every single one of those games we played was fun. And that's what sport is. It's a privilege and something we all do because we love it and it gives us a chance to spend time with friends.

So if you're out on the court or field this weekend remember that.

Results don't seem to matter at a time like this but every point, every game and every day is a privilege to be a part of.

Go out there with friends, families and loved ones and have a laugh and enjoy every single moment of it.

Just like Steph did.