Richie Benaud passes away, aged 84.

Vale, Richie Benauld. 1930-2015.

Cricket legend Richie Benaud has reportedly passed away.

Benaud was in hospital in Sydney receiving radiation treatment for skin cancer, which he has been battling since November last year.

His employer Channel 9 reports Benaud passed away in his sleep overnight.

Benaud, known in Australia as the “voice of cricket,” is a renowned as a cricket commentator. He started his career as a player, leading the Australian cricket team to world victory in the 1950s.

In a press conference today, Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered the Benaud family a state funeral for their beloved.

Benaud played 63 Tests for Australia, was the first player to score 2,000 Test runs and take 200 Test wickets, and never lost a series as Australian captain.

His career as a commentator commenced in the 1960s — spanning nearly four decades in the commentary box.

The nation will be mourning the loss of one of its greatest cricket legends.

Benaud is survived by his wife Daphne and two sons.

Despite being born in Sydney’s west, Benaud lived the majority of his years in the Eastern suburbs — home to the Sydney Cricket Ground. When Benaud was inducted into the SCG Media Hall of Honour, his wife said the grounds were his favourite in the world.

According to the ABC, he debuted on the pitch for the Blues in 1948, and played his first test series in 1952. He reigned as captain from 1958, during which time Australia never lost a series.

In 1961, Benaud was awarded an OBE for his services to cricket.

More to come.

What are you memories of Richie Benaud?