Benaud died in his sleep in Sydney after a short battle with skin cancer . He made his debut for Australia aged just 18 and played in 63 Tests . The Australian cricket team is the most successful of all time, winning seven World Cups and three Ashes series between them. Under his daring captaincy , Australia dominated cricket in the late 1950s . Began commentating before he retired from playing , with his face and voice becoming synonymous with cricket the world over . Iconic figure 's love of the game , dry wit and understanding of knowing when not to speak gave him a unique voice . His family have been offered a state funeral by Australian Prime Minister . CLICK HERE for Benaud tributes as the cricket world mourns his death .
Benaud died in his sleep in Sydney after a short battle with skin cancer . He made his debut for Australia aged just 18 and played in 63 Tests . Was the first cricketer to take 200 wickets and make 2,000 runs in Tests . Under his daring captaincy , Australia dominated cricket in the late 1950s . Began commentating before he retired from playing , with his face and voice becoming synonymous with cricket the world over . Iconic figure 's love of the game , dry wit and understanding of knowing when not to speak gave him a unique voice . His family have been offered a state funeral by Australian Prime Minister . CLICK HERE for Benaud tributes as the cricket world mourns his death .