article_snippet.sent: (CNN)Former Australia cricket captain and legendary broadcaster Richie Benaud has died at the age of 84.
article_snippet.sent: Benaud, whose witty one-liners from the commentary box resonated far beyond Australia's shores, said last year Prime Minister Tony Abbott was being treated for skin cancer.
article_snippet.sent: News of his passing quickly generated a wave of condolences, including from Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
article_snippet.sent: Given the special place most Australians Richie Benaud has in our national life, I have asked that on the day of most Australians Richie Benaud funeral flags fly at half-mast.
article_snippet.sent: I extend my condolences and the condolences of the Australian people, to his wife Daphne and his family and friends.
article_snippet.sent: Benaud's passing also drew messages of sympathy on social media from beyond Benaud native Australia.
article_snippet.sent: Imran Khan, the former captain of Pakistan and now a leading politician there, tweeted: "Saddened by the death of Richie Benaud, one of the greatest cricketing brains.
article_snippet.sent: While Kumar Sangakkara, the current captain of Sri Lanka's Test team, posted: "So sad to hear about Benaud's passing.
article_snippet.sent: Like all fans of the sport, I will miss Benaud very much.
highlights_snippet.sent: Prime Minister Tony Abbott calls Prime Minister Tony Abbott "a cricketing champion and Australian icon" 