Richie Benaud Injured in Car Crash; Cricket Commentary Icon in Stable Condition

Richie Benaud, the 83-year-old cricket broadcasting icon, is recovering in Sydney after a car crash.

The Australian was the only one injured in the incident. Nine News have brought the first pictures of the incident on Twitter:

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First pictures of Richie Benaud's write-off at #Coogee. The 83yo is now recovering in hospital. Details in #9NEWSat6 pic.twitter.com/j1qmV1VrpG

— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) October 24, 2013"

The Guardian report that he suffered some injuries, including a broken sternum:

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The 83-year-old was injured on Wednesday while driving home after playing golf. He is understood to have suffered chest and shoulder injuries, as well as a broken sternum.

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At present there is no indication whether Benaud will recover in time to take to the commentary box for the Ashes series, which begins in Australia on November 21. 

He is a much-loved figure within the game, and amongst the people wishing him a speedy recovery was the current Australia skipper Michael Clarke:

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Just heard Richie Benaud was hurt in a car accident. Get well soon Richie.

— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) October 24, 2013"

Benaud has been a fixture of Ashes cricket in England and Australia for the past 45 years. Before that he had an illustrious career as an all-rounder and captain of Australia.

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Best wishes and a speedy recovery to Richie Benaud after his car accident #GetwellRichie

— Barmy Army Cricket (@TheBarmyArmy) October 24, 2013"

Channel Nine, for whom Benaud currently works, issued a statement on behalf of the family:

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"No one else was injured, and I was more worried about the car than myself," Benaud said, referring to his prized 1963 Sunbeam Alpine.

"Richie is a national treasure," Gyngell said. "In the Nine family, he sits at the head of the table.

"As always he and Daphne have our support and Richie will return to call the coming Ashes series against England - his 36th summer in Nine’s Wide World of Sports commentary box - when he is good and ready."

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Benaud had only turned 83 earlier in the month—it prompted us to take a look at some of his finest moments of his cricket and broadcasting career.