Legendary Australian cricket commentator Richie Benaud has died in a Sydney hospice, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
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The 84-year-old was receiving radiation therapy for skin cancer since November, but lost his battle with the on Thursday night (UK time).
Widely regarded as one of the most influential men in cricket history, Benaud played 64 test matches for Australia between 1952 and 1964 taking 248 wickets and scoring 2201 runs.
He was the first player 2000-run and 200-wicket double at Test level and retired as the leading wicket-taker of all time.
But it was his work with the microphone he’ll be forever remembered for, his dulcet tones and quirky one-liners became a mainstay of the Australian summer for decades upon decades.
Benaud began his commentating career at the BBC in 1960 whilst still playing for Australia, before joining Channel Nine in 1964.
He retired from full-time commentary in 2013 following a car accident that left him with two fractured veterbrae.
Benaud is survived by his wife Daphne and two sons from a previous marriage.
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