Cricket Legend, Benaud Dies at 84

Former Australia captain and legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud has died at the age of 84, BBC reports.

A pioneering leg-spin bowler, Benaud played in 63 Tests, 28 as captain, before retiring in 1964 to pursue a career in journalism and broadcasting.

His final commentary in England came during the 2005 Ashes series, but he continued to work for Channel Nine in Australia until 2013.

In November, he revealed he was being treated for skin cancer.

Benaud enjoyed a long association with the BBC following his first radio appearance for the corporation in 1960.

“Richie was not just a great cricket commentator, he was one of the finest sports commentators of his generation,” said Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport.

“He was an integral part of the BBC team for decades and will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.”

Benaud built his reputation as a commentator following an outstanding playing career in which he took 945 wickets in 259 first-class matches and made 11,719 first-class runs, scoring 23 centuries at an average of 36.50.

Tributes have been pouring in from around the world following the news of Benaud’s death.