Richie Benaud, Australian Cricket Legend, Dies at Age 84

Renowned cricket broadcaster Richie Benaud passed away on Friday in Sydney. He was 84 years old. 

According to Eryk Bagshaw of The Sydney Morning Herald, Benaud had been in hospice care while continuing to undergo radiation therapy for skin cancer, which he revealed he had in November 2014. The BBC reported that "the Australian government has offered a state funeral to the family of (the) former Australian cricket captain."

Benaud was a "pioneering" leg-spin bowler prior to entering the world of journalism and broadcasting, per BBC Sport. He represented Australia in 63 Test matches, with 28 appearances coming as captain. BBC Sport tweeted his international stats and comment from writer Jonathan Agnew:

According to ESPN Cricinfo, Benaud appeared in 259 first-class matches throughout his career, was responsible for 11,719 runs and boasted an average of 36.50.

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Prior to his retirement from the sport in 1964, Benaud spent 16 years representing New South Wales.

His reputation continued to grow once behind the mic. "His crisp style, dry humour, understated delivery, and array of jackets made him a favourite of the masses," read a snippet of Benaud's obituary on Cricket Australia.   

In October 2013, Benaud was involved in a car accident that forced him to end his televison career. His final commentary in England came during the 2005 Ashes series, which saw the Three Lions topple Australia 2-1.

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Some of Benaud's best moments, and recognition for his work, can be heard below: 

Many on social media mourned Benaud's passing and praised the work he did in the booth.

Australian legend Shane Warne, also a top-class leg-spin bowler who moved into commentary after retiring, posted a heartfelt message to Benaud and his family on Instagram:

Warne's full tribute can be read below:

"

Dear Richie,

I've known you & Daphne for close to 30 years & to everyone you were a legend on all levels & rightly so too. As a cricketer, commentator & as a person, you were the best there's ever been & to top it off, an absolute gentleman... For me it was an honour & a privilege to call you a close friend & mentor, we had so many wonderful times together, talking cricket & in particular, our love & passion of leg spin bowling.

I will cherish our entertaining dinners & all the fun times we shared over a long period of time. I would also like to thank you & Daphne for all your support & time you made for me as a young cricketer & leg spin bowler trying to make his way as an 18 year old, your tips & advice along the journey meant so much !!! Richie, you were loved by everyone, not just the cricket family, you were the godfather of cricket & you will be missed by all... R.I.P my friend #hero

"

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty believes Benaud's achievements will never be eclipsed:

Former Australian international cricketer Damien Fleming tweeted a similar response to Benaud's passing:

Ex-England spinner Graeme Swann noted Benaud's cricketing prowess should also be celebrated:

Both ESPN's Ian Darke and The Starters' Leigh Ellis felt that Benaud's knowledge of the sport added to the broadcast in a way few have been able to replicate:

BT Sport's Danny Kelly and The Mail on Sunday's Oliver Holt both felt that Benaud had a formative impact on their relationship with cricket:

The sport of cricket certainly lost one of its most celebrated names on Friday. Benaud's contributions to the game will be kept alive by those who saw him play and listened to him speak.