Australian government offer state funeral to family of cricket legend Richie Benaud

The Australian government has offered a state funeral to the family of former cricketer and commentator Richie Benaud, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 84.

The ex-Australia captain, who had been battling skin cancer since November, died peacefully in his sleep.

Prime minister Tony Abbott has confirmed that should Benaud's family want it, a state funeral will be held for the man who became the first player to score 2,000 Test runs and take 200 Test wickets.

"He certainly will be very, very much missed," BBC News quotes Abbott as saying. "He was a very, very effective cricketer, a great captain, a great character and great personality."

Flags on New South Wales government buildings, as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, will fly at half mast today.

Figures from the cricket world have been paying tribute to the legendary broadcaster on Twitter since the news emerged.