Sydeny: Former Australian captain, Cricket legend and commentator Richie Benaud dead at 84 who played 63 tests and 28 as captain before his retirement in 1964.

The legendary cricketer cum iconic commentator Richie Benaud (84) died in Sydney at a hospital after struggling with cancer. He was under radiation treatment for skin cancer since November and died on Friday, reports said. It is said that he did not feature in Nine’s commentary team over the past two seasons. But he was at network’s season launch in November 2014.

Previously he met with accident of his Sunbeam Alpine convertible car when he was going from a golf game. Soon after this, he suffered with a broken sternum as well as shoulder and chest injuries. Due to his wife, Daphne only he is survived at that time.

Australian captain Michael Clarke said, “It’s obviously really sad and an extremely tough time. What he’s done off the field is an amazing example to a lot of sportsmen.”

Richie Benaud Achievements

• He became one of the leading figures World Series Cricket revolutions of Kerry Packer in 70s.
• Played around 63 tests as a leg-spinning all-rounder
• Scored 3 centuries with 2201 runs, on average 24.45
• His 248 Test wickets came at an average of 27.03
• As Australia cricket team captain, he reclaimed the Ashes in 1958-59 and then defended them twice.

Cricket scribe Gideon Haigh told, “Perhaps the most influential cricketer and cricket personality since the Second World War”.

Prime Minister, Tony Abbott offered a state funeral to the Benaud family.

Nine Entertainment Co. CEO David Gyngell said on the incident, “Richie Benaud’s passing has robbed us not only of a national treasure, but a lovely man”.