It’s a sad day for generations of cricket fans the world over and for all Australians with the passing of former Australian test cricket captain Richie Benaud OBE.

His legacy and contribution to cricket is unparalleled and all Australians will miss his unique style of commentary accompanying our summers.

Richie was the voice of cricket and his monumental status as a commentator will never be forgotten.

However his contributions should not be understated as one of Australia’s greatest cricket captains and history makers as well.

His playing record was remarkable, playing 63 tests for Australia – a significant number at a time when cricket wasn’t the lucrative full time career it is now.

As captain, Richie never lost a series and took us to the top of the world with his inspiring leadership and attacking flair.

He also set not just the benchmark, but the mould, for the attacking cricketing all-rounder that is so crucial to the modern game as the first test player to score 2000 runs and take 200 wickets.

And while there are few things that Australian and British cricket fans agree on, Richie’s unique commentary at the BBC and Channel 9 won universal applause.

I extend my condolences to his wife Daphne and family and support the Prime Minister’s offer of a State Memorial Service to them to celebrate Richie’s amazing life.