Michael Atherton, the latest addition to Channel 4's award-winning cricket coverage, admitted legendary commentator Richie Benaud remains the standard bearer for others to look up to and emulate.

Speaking after completing his first Test match behind the microphone, during which he earned widespread praise, “Athers” said it had been a privilege to be working alongside the doyen of the commentary box.

“I have worked alongside him before during the World Cup but he's always a pleasure to work with. He's very helpful, especially to someone who is new to the game. He's more than happy to pass on tips and advice, and he's a good bloke,” said Atherton.

The former England captain, and veteran of 115 Tests, confided to being nervous before the opening morning but said he quickly settled into his new role.

“I've really enjoyed firstly watching the game, and also working with the team. It's been good fun,” he said after England salvaged a draw.

“I think there's always a few nerves when you're live. The bits of live tv that we do, like the Roadshow and the links, that gets the adrenalin going because obviously you are fairly exposed and there's the opportunity to make errors and mess up, so in that respect it's a little bit like playing.

“But I think it helps that I know what I'm talking about, I know the game pretty well and that's a great help to feel on firm ground when you're talking about things,” said Atherton.

Much has changed for the ex-Lancashire opener during the past six months. In that time he has retired from all competitive cricket - “I haven't picked up a bat to face a delivery since I retired” - written his memoirs and become a dad. On top of that he has now embarked on a new career with Channel 4, although it appears the transition from player to commentator has been relatively straightforward.

“I asked the guys at Channel 4 if they wanted me to do any preparation and training but they said 'No, just be yourself',” he admitted. “I think as you go along you try and learn, watching people who have done it for many years like Richie Benaud and picking up tips, and gradually you get to grips with the technology.”

That - the technology – has been the hardest thing to master so far. “That's the bit that I have found most difficult and on one of the lunchtimes I probably wasn't looking at camera because of what was coming through the ear-piece, but I think that's something I'll get used to in time.”

Previously he has worked in radio – when he was injured during the 1999 World Cup – but the 1st Test marked his first real foray into television commentary.

“I suppose the essential difference is that television has pictures and therefore people are able to see what's happening, so you don't have to talk as much as radio,” he opined. “With radio you have to paint the picture for the listener, with tv the pictures are obvious. If you can't really throw some light on the picture then I suppose the golden rule is to keep quiet.”

Has that been difficult?

“Not really, because I'm not one for waffling,” said Atherton. “I only really speak if I feel the need to speak and I think that is probably a good thing for television.”

And he also silenced those who doubted he would be able to take a dispassionate and, if needed, critical stance on players who had been his team-mates less than eight months ago.

“I see them (the England players) most mornings,” he said. “If you're out doing a pitch report in the morning you pass them and I'm obviously still very friendly with a lot of the guys that I played with, but it's a different role and I certainly won't be hanging around the dressing room. You've got to keep a little bit of distance.”

So there were no regrets about retiring when he saw the state of the Lord's pitch on the opening morning?

“Not really. It did look a lovely track and you fancied that both teams would get big scores, but I didn't really wish I was out there,” he confirmed.

Instead he concentrated, as ever, on the task in hand. It was a steady and impressive opener, offering a glimpse of plenty still to come. Sharp but subtle at the same time, it was another typically reliable knock from the former bedrock of England's top order.

21 May, 2002