Sydney, April 10 (IANS) Tributes poured in for former Australian cricket great and legendary commentator Richie Benaud, who passed away at the age of 84 here on Thursday night.
Benaud had fought a long battle with skin cancer and had also suffered from the after-effects of a car accident near his home in Coogee, a suburb of Sydney, in late 2013.
Shane Warne, Darren Lehman, Michael Clarke, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, David Warner were among the past and present Australian cricketers who paid tribute to the legendary cricketer and broadcaster via Twitter.
“Dear Richie, I’ve known you & Daphne for close to 30 years & to everyone you were a legend on all,” tweeted Warne, arguably the greatest leg-spinner of all time.
Recently retired Clarke, who led Australia to the World Cup title last month, wrote: “What a man. Extremely sad day.”
Former pacer McGrath tweeted: “Very sad news about Richie Benaud. A legend of Australian cricket & the commentary box. We’ve lost a true Aussie icon. RIP Richie.”
Australia coach Lehman said, “Our thoughts are with the Benaud family at this time, RIP one of the game’s all time greats! He will be missed by the whole cricketing world.”
Fast bowler Peter siddle tweeted: “Growing up the summer of cricket had only one voice. Richie RIP, you will be missed mate.”
Former paceman Bret Lee wrote, “Very sad to hear the news today of the passing of Richie Benaud. What a legend of a cricketer and broadcaster.”
Opening batsman Warner tweeted: “Sad to hear the passing of the voice of cricket, great player and a true gentleman. R.I.P Richie Benaud.”
Mitchell Starc, who was named the player of the tournament of the just concluded World Cup, tweeted, “A sad day. The voice of cricket, a legend of the game and a great person.”
Pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson tweeted: “A truely great person, you will always be remembered for what you gave to this world. R.I.P Richie.”
All-rounder Shane Watson wrote, “Respected and looked up to by all, you will be sorely missed. Vale Richie Benaud.”
Tributes also came from across the Tasmanian sea.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of the great Richie Benaud. We all grew up listening to his wisdom and advice,” former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris wrote.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) tweeted, “Our thoughts are with the family & friends of legendary former Australia captain & cricket commentator Richie Benaud, who has died aged 84.”