Saturday 11 April 2015 12:14, UK
Former Australia cricket captain and pioneering commentator Richie Benaud was described as a "national treasure" in tributes from his fellow countrymen.
Benaud, 84, died overnight at a Sydney hospice, surrounded by his wife, Daphne, and other family members. He had been fighting skin cancer since late last year.
Fans paid respect by placing bouquets of flowers under a bronze statue of Benaud in front of the Sydney Cricket Ground, while planning began for a state funeral which was offered to his family.
A veteran of 63 Test matches, Benaud played a pivotal role in the formation of World Series Cricket in the 1970s and was one of the world's most recognised commentators.
His time in the commentary box ended after a car crash in 2013 that left him with two fractured vertebrae.
Australian captain Michael Clarke said Benaud was a gentleman who played cricket in the right spirit.
"He was a great player and a great captain; a wonderful leader of men and he continued that off the field," Clarke said. "He loved winning. He helped the Australian team have the attitude where they wanted to win. He played the game the right way."
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Benaud will be "very, very much missed."
"There would hardly be an Australian over the last 40 years who hasn't listened to Richie Benaud," Abbott said.
Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said "our country has lost a national treasure."
"After Don Bradman, there has been no Australian player more famous or more influential than Richie Benaud.
"Richie stood at the top of the game throughout his rich life, first as a record-breaking leg-spinner and captain, and then as cricket's most famous broadcaster who became the iconic voice of our summer."
Former International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed, an Australian, said "his iconic status as a commentator and the godfather of Australian cricket, it's just unparalleled."
His witty observations he once described Glenn McGrath as being dismissed "just 98 runs short of a century" and elongated vowel pronunciations were affectionately impersonated by fans the world over.
On Twitter, McGrath said "very sad news ... We've lost a true Aussie icon."
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh said: "His legacy to the game will always live on. More so Richie's stature as a true gentleman and role model for life will remain his greatest gift."
Australia coach Darren Lehmann added: "RIP one of the game’s all-time greats! He will be missed by the whole cricketing world.
"The fact that Australia never lost a series under his captaincy says so much. And those standards were just as high when he turned his attention to calling the game.
"We loved listening to him commentate when the team was together in the dressing room. When he was on air, we always had the TV volume turned up because his comments were so insightful.
"He spent a lot of time talking to players of all ages, passing on his great knowledge and love of the game. What stood out more than anything about Richie is that he always put the game first.
A part of cricket died today
"There will only ever be one Richie Benaud. Our thoughts go out to Daphne, John and the entire Benaud family at this sad time."
One of Benaud's most famous commentaries was on the 'ball of the century' - Shane Warne's first delivery in Ashes cricket which dismissed Mike Gatting - and the 45-year-old fellow leg-spinner paid an emotional tribute to his mentor on Instagram.
"Dear Richie," he wrote. "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!"
Former Australian batsman Dean Jones added simply: "A part of cricket died today."
Australia all-rounder Shane Watson tweeted: "Respected and looked up to by all, you will be sorely missed #Legend Vale Richie Benaud"
Australia opening batsman David Warner added: "Sad to hear the passing of the voice of cricket, great player and a true gentleman"
Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson posted: "A truly great person, you will always be remembered for what you gave to this world."
And Jason Gillespie, the former Australia fast bowler and now Yorkshire coach, said: “Growing up in Australia, watching Channel 9, you knew it was summer when you heard the great man’s voice.’
