Richie Benaud: Shane Warne posts touching tribute to cricketing great

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne has taken to social media to post a heartfelt tribute to the late Richie Benaud.

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Benaud lost his battle to skin cancer on Thursday night (UK time), aged 84.

The former Australia Test captain is regarded as being one of the most influential men in cricket history, and it comes as no surprise to see on outpouring of emotion from the cricket community.

Benaud played 64 Test matches for Australia and was the first man to surpass the 2000-run and 200-wicket barrier.

Warne posted a moving tribute to Benaud, with whom he’d had a long relationship with through commentary commitments with Channel Nine.

Check it out 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 #BowledRichie

A photo posted by Shane Warne (@shanewarne23) on Apr 9, 2015 at 5:35pm PDT