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Former Australian Cricket Captain Richie Benaud Dies At 84

Former Australian Cricket Captain Richie Benaud Dies At 84


Well known and well loved former Australian Cricket captain and commentator, Richie Benaud, has died at the age of 84 after a long bout with cancer. Diagnosed with skin cancer in November, the former superstar athlete had been receiving treatment but his condition began deteriorating in the last few weeks.

When he was a player, he took part in more than 63 test matches and is widely credited as playing a rather large part in starting the World Series Cricket in the 1970’s. The Guardian points out he was also one of the most recognizable commentators in the world. The Australian athlete made most of his fame on the Cricket pitch as a leg-spin bowler and middle-order batsman. The first player to score 2,000 test runs and take 200 test wickets, he was also known as a great team captain who was looked up to by all of his teammates.

Australian prime minister Tony Abbot offered his condolences after hearing of the death and said he would offer Benaud’s family a state funeral for the deceased celebrity.