Kerry's package

Kerry Packer was a larger than life personality whose wallet was of mammoth proportions. His love for cricket and his sense of a commercially rewarding enterprise was acute. His timeous presence, his awareness of ability being insufficiently rewarded and his vision, changed the face of cricket.

In the late 70's he took a lacklustre brand of cricket and went for the jugular as he trod on traditionalist toes in every direction. The result was a rejuvenated spectacle with enthused players who were suddenly suitably rewarded financially and therefore stoically committed.

The cricket loving public were instantly attracted to the innovative spectacle that included coloured clothing, white balls and day-night cricket. Television coverage also took on an exciting and unique dimension. Cricket had jettisoned to a new existence as World Series Cricket was born.

Kerry was regarded as a man of his word and believe me he didn't mince those! Since his passing of a few days ago, anecdotes have been flying thick and fast.

Ian Chappell recalled one early encounter with Kerry that did not last long.

He walked into his new boss's office and Kerry had his shoes off and feet on the desk. Kerry abruptly asked Chappell who he wanted in his team. Ian immediately retorted that he was no longer the captain of the Australian national team and that his brother Greg was. Packer's quip was, "What do you think this is - a democracy? I'm paying the bills. You're the captain."

Tony Greig told of the time that things were running late in an early World Series day-night game. In an essential agreement to stage the matches Packer assured everyone that the light towers would be switched off at 10.30pm. That time frame was being seriously threatened and finality in the encounter was essential.

He ordered the bloke in charge of the World Series Cricket clashes to slow down the main clock at the venue and simultaneously instructed the Packer-paid umpires to work by that very clock!

The late David Hookes told me of the events following that fearful crack he received from a vicious Andy Roberts bouncer at the Sydney Showground. The young 19-year-old had shattered his jaw. He said the pain from the blow was excruciating but was soon forgotten as Kerry burst into the change room and insisted on ignoring advice to wait for the ambulance.

Packer personally drove him to hospital in his Mercedes during peak hour traffic in Sydney, driving on the wrong side of the road, weaving in and out of traffic with his hand permanently positioned on the horn! Hookes said that after that experience facing Roberts was no longer scary.

Richie Benaud, who originally donned the beige jacket on Packer's advice to separate him from the rest, confirmed he was a hands-on boss to the end. In the Channel Nine commentary box was a private line to Kerry. Upon him phoning two orange lights would illuminate and a hushed silence would engulf the back room proceedings.

Rarely was he phoning to pass on a compliment. It was often a bark demanding an explanation. Once or twice it was a simple instruction to fire a commentator!

Kerry Packer was a radical individual who revolutionised the game......thank you.