Daphne Benaud has politely declined a state funeral for her late husband . The wife of the legendary cricket commentator has settled on a gathering with only immediate family indicating this is what he would have wanted . Former Australian captain died peacefully in his sleep at a Sydney hospice . He had been receiving radiation treatment for skin cancer since 2008 . Benaud had witnessed , as player and commentator , over 500 Test matches . Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered his family the state funeral .
Daphne Benaud has politely declined a state funeral for her late husband . The wife of the legendary cricket commentator has settled on a gathering with only immediate family indicating this is what he would have wanted . Former Australian captain died peacefully in his sleep at a Sydney hospice . He had been receiving radiation treatment for skin cancer since November . Benaud had witnessed , as player and commentator , over 500 Test matches . Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered his family the state funeral .