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Former Australia cricketer Richie Benaud dies at 84, PM announces state funeral

Former Australian cricket captain Richie Benaud, the celebrated 'voice of cricket' in the commentary box, has died at the age of 84 after battling skin cancer. A giant figure in the game both on and off the field, Benaud died peacefully in his sleep in a Sydney hospice late on Thursday, his employer Channel Nine reported, citing family. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott paid tribute to Benaud. Benaud revealed in November he was fighting a skin cancer on his head and his public appearances had become increasingly rare in recent years. After starting his career as a leg-spinning all-rounder, Benaud led the side to three successive Ashes series victories in the 1950s and 1960s. He played 63 tests for his country and was the first player to score 2,000 test runs and take 200 test wickets. Meanwhile, tributes poured in from former players, celebrities and politicians and Abbott confirmed that the former cricketer would be honoured with a state funeral.