Richie Benaud dies: Twitter reacts

On Friday morning, cricket lost one of its heroes following the news that legendary commentator and former Australia captain Richie Benaud had passed away at the age of 84.

By virtue of the fact that Benaud had spent most of his life either playing the sport or reporting on it, a host of figures from within the game and beyond took to Twitter to express their sadness over his passing.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at just a few of the many tributes pouring in.

Growing up the summer of cricket had only one voice. Richie RIP, you will be missed mate #Legend #RIPRichie #VoiceOfTheGame

— Peter Siddle (@petersiddle403) April 9, 2015

Very sad to hear the news that the great Richie Benaud has passed! #truelegend #RIP

— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) April 9, 2015

Very sad news about Richie Benaud. A legend of Australian cricket & the commentary box. We've lost a true Aussie icon 😢 RIP Richie

— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) April 9, 2015

A sad day for Australia. We have lost a cricketing champion and Australian icon. What an innings. RIP Richie Benaud

— Tony Abbott (@TonyAbbottMHR) April 9, 2015

I've never been around a more revered person! A true LEGEND! RIP Richie.

— Michael Slater (@mj_slats) April 9, 2015

A sad day in cricket. I will sadly miss listening to the legend #richiebenaud 's commentary. His voice IS cricket #RIPRichieBenaud #legend

— Harry Kewell (@HarryKewell) April 9, 2015

RIP Richie Benaud. The greatest cricket commentator of them all & a wonderful man. #MourningEveryone

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 9, 2015

A sad day to hear about the loss of Richie Benaud #RIP https://t.co/B6oHa9QP7w

— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) April 9, 2015

RIP Richie Benaud. A true gentleman and inspiration in sport and sports commentary. A class act and great reminder that less can mean more

— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) April 9, 2015