Bill Lawry loved his cricket.

No doubt still does. Just from the comfort of the lounge room, sadly.

As much as cicadas and sizzling sausages, Lawry was the sound of summer. No-one called a play-and-miss – let alone a big six or someone being bowled "neck and crop" – better than Bill. Often regarded as the one-eyed Australian in apotheosis, Lawry was simply a man who loved the game and admired the people who played it with daring.

Every few years we would be lucky enough to hear him calling matches involving New Zealand.