Benaud says he wants a new anchorman in place before The Ashes

Sydney, Feb.21 (ANI): Noted cricket commentator Richie Benaud has revealed that the motivation for pulling up stumps was primarily a desire to see a new anchorman on Channel Nine for the 2010 Ashes series.

"There's quite a good reason for that because it's the Ashes year and it's necessary for Channel Nine to get another commentator to come in for the Ashes series," Benaud said.

"You need to get commentators in and let them have a bit of experience. I'm retiring from commentary, but not from working 22 hours a day," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him, as saying.

Asked if he would nominate Mark Nicholas as his obvious successor, Benaud said it was up to Channel Nine. (ANI)