The voice of cricket, Richie Benaud, died overnight in a Sydney hospice, it has been confirmed.
At 2.22pm, Cricket Australia posted a moving tribute to him.
Channel 9 studios in Sydney lowered their flags to half-mast out of respect.
Channel 9's chief executive, David Gyngell, posted a moving statement this morning on Facebook.
Benaud played 63 tests for Australia and never lost a series during his time as Australian captain.
Very sad to hear the news today of the passing of Richie Benaud. What a legend of a cricketer and broadcaster for @Channel9 @WWOS9 #bestever
Great photo of Richie Benaud in his prime.
Even as a staunch Kiwi and Black Caps supporter, I have always had the utmost respect for Richie Benaud. Don't suffer champ. #GoValleys #fb
Sad news that cricket and commentary legend Richie Benaud has passed away overnight http://t.co/1aiQjfCWK5
RIP Richie Benaud. The greatest cricket commentator of them all & a wonderful man. #MourningEveryone
In a statement, Channel 9's head of sport, Steve Crawley, remembered his old friend:
"You didn't have to know Richie to love him. Everything about him. Best in the business bar none. We will miss him the way you miss loved ones. And at the same time we will thank our lucky stars he came our way at all."
A sad day for Australia. We have lost a cricketing champion and Australian icon. What an innings. RIP Richie Benaud
Benaud is regarded as one of the most influential men in the history of cricket.
