Image source, EPA

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke has also paid tribute to a man who he describes a 'a true giant of the modern game'.

"Richie was a marvellously talented cricketer who gave much to the Australian team as a player and a leader," he said.

"But he will always, above all, be remembered as one of cricket's most influential and authoritative voices. Few could match the breadth of knowledge and insight he brought to the commentary box; and all leavened by his marvellous dry wit which millions came to know and love.

"Cricket has lost perhaps its greatest advocate."

While most people nowadays remember him as a commentator, it is worth remembering that Richie Benaud was also a legendary player.

BBC Sport looks back at the 1961 Ashes series where his heroics in the fourth Test at Old Trafford helped Australia to victory.

While in the 1962-63 series, Ted Dexter's hopes of bringing the Ashes back to England were thwarted by Benaud's determination as Australia came from behind to draw the series 1-1 and retain the urn.

And there is also a look back at the life of the 84-year-old.

There have also been tributes to Benaud from across the cricketing world.

Kumar Sangakkara, external: So sad to hear about the passing of Richie Benaud. The great voice of cricket is no more. He defined an era with conviction and sincerity

Anil Kumble, external: RIP Richie Benaud.His values cut across all generations & the best example in cricket to everyone associated with it. Always had a kind 2Word to every cricketer. Above all a great human being. Had a special place for every leg spinner. Very sad day for cricket!

Geoffrey Boycott:, external Farewell Richie Benaud. Wonderful cricketer, great captain, a master craftsman commentator & top man. Will always be remembered and admired.

Shane Warne, another who went from the cricket pitch to the commentary box, took to Twitter to write an open letter, external to one of his sporting heroes

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

Tributes have been paid to Benaud from within the sport in Australia.

Cricket Australia:, external Rest In Peace Richie Benaud, Forever the voice of our summer.

Michael Clarke:, external What a man. Extremely sad day. You were a lot more then just a cricketer Richie. RIP

Shane Watson:, external Respected and looked up to by all, you will be sorely missed #Legend Vale Richie Benaud #RIPRichie

Damien Martyn:, external Baggy green #190 the legendary Richie Benaud #RIP my friend you will be forever etched in our thoughts. On and off the field you truly lived up to the great spirit of our beautiful game. Thank you for all those great memories.

Image source, Getty Images

In November, Benaud revealed he was being treated for skin cancer.

He took 945 wickets in 259 first-class matches and made 11,719 first-class runs, scoring 23 centuries at an average of 36.50 and was the first man to achieve 2,000 runs and 200 wickets at Test level.

He was also a highly regarded tactician and never lost a Test series as Australia captain, winning five and drawing two.

Image source, AFP

But first, it is a sad morning for sports fans the world over after the news of the death of former Australia captain and legendary cricket commentator Richie Benaud.

A pioneering leg-spin bowler, Benaud played in 63 Tests, 28 as captain, before retiring in 1964 to pursue a career in journalism and broadcasting.

The 84-year-old's final commentary in England came during the 2005 Ashes series but he continued to work for Channel Nine in Australia until 2013.

Good morning from Sportsday Live where we will bring you all the best from the Premier League news conferences ahead of the weekend's games, as well as the rest of the day's sports news.