Tributes flow in after death of Richie Benaud

Tributes are flowing in for Richie Benaud after his passing overnight aged 84.

Spin legend and Channel Nine commentator Shane Warne, Australia coach Darren Lehman and Test captain Michael Clarke are among those who have paid tribute to Benaud. 

Darren Lehmann said Benaud set an incredibly high standard on and off the field.

"Richie was truly one of the game's greats," Lehmann said.

"The fact that Australia never lost a series under his captaincy says so much and those standards were just as high when he turned his attention to calling the game.

"We loved listening to him commentate when the team was together in the dressing room. When he was on air, we always had the TV volume turned up because his comments were so insightful.

"He spent a lot of time talking to players of all ages, passing on his great knowledge and love of the game. What stood out more than anything about Richie is that he always put the game first.

"There will only ever be one Richie Benaud. Our thoughts go out to Daphne, John and the entire Benaud family at this sad time."

Warne said he was honoured to call the commentary doyen a close friend and mentor.

"I've known you and Daphne for close to 30 years and to everyone you were a legend on all levels and rightly so too," Warne posted on social media.

"As a cricketer, commentator and as a person, you were the best there's ever been and to top it off, an absolute gentleman.

"For me it was an honour and a privilege to call you a close friend and mentor, we had so many wonderful times together, talking cricket and in particular, our love and passion of leg spin bowling.

"I will cherish our entertaining dinners and all the fun times we shared over a long period of time. I would also like to thank you and Daphne for all your support and time you made for me as a young cricketer and leg spin bowler trying to make his way as an 18 year old, your tips and advice along the journey meant so much."

Benaud was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2007

Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards said Australia had "lost a national treasure."

Edwards said after Don Bradman, there had been no Australian player more famous or more influential than Benaud. 

"Richie stood at the top of the game throughout his rich life, first as a record-breaking leg-spinner and captain, and then as cricket's most famous broadcaster who became the iconic voice of our summer," Edwards said.

"His crisp style, dry humour, understated delivery, and array of jackets made him one of the most loved personalities on television as he brought cricket to the lives of millions."

Clarke said Benaud set a great example for other cricketers.

"Richie is known for much more than bowling a few leg spinners and hitting a few cover drives," Clarke told Channel Nine.

"He's an amazing example to a lot of sportsmen and a lot of us look up to Richie, so it is a really sad day.

"He's a gentleman, he played the game in the right spirit and he loved winning. He helped the Australian team have that attitude that they wanted to win but he also played the game the right way.

"I think anyone lucky enough to meet Richie got to see that side of him as well."

Former Australian captain and fellow New South Wales "Team of 150 years" selection Steve Waugh also paid his respects.

"Richie Benaud is irreplaceable to Australian cricket and an enormous loss," Waugh said.

"He was unique as he covered all facets of the game, as a player, a commentator, an administrator and a writer.

"His views were researched, balanced and fair.

"His legacy to the game will always live on. More so Richie's stature as a true gentleman and role model for life will remain his greatest gift."

Channel Nine chief executive David Gyngell described Benaud as "a true legend".

"Richie earned the profound and lasting respect of everyone across the world of cricket and beyond, first as an outstanding player and captain, then as an incomparable commentator, and through it all as a wonderful human being," Gyngell said.

Kerry Packer repaid Benaud for his commitment to World Series Cricket and loyalty to Nine with a job for life.

"Dad and I enjoyed a long, long professional and personal journey with Richie Benaud," James Packer said.

"He was not only for nearly four decades a much-loved figure in the Nine family, but also in the Packer family.

"We never had a cross word. Richie's word was his bond.

"A lovely, generous, caring human being who was always the very best company."

Prominent cricketers from past and present have also expressed their sadness on social media. 

"Very sad to hear the news today of the passing of Richie Benaud. What a legend of a cricketer and broadcaster," Brett Lee wrote on Twitter.