the legendary voice of australian cricket richie benaud has been described as a national treasure and a cricket icon after his death , aged 84 .
the cricket commentator had been receiving radiation treatment for skin cancer since november when he was admitted to a sydney hospice on thursday .
benaud died peacefully in his sleep overnight surrounded by his wife daphne and family members .
a veteran of 63 test captain michael clarke said benaud was a gentleman who played cricket in the right spirit .