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'Best in the business bar none'

Tributes for Richie Benaud, who has died at 84

"Our country has lost a national treasure. After Don Bradman, there has been no Australian player more famous or more influential than Richie Benaud." - Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards
"Since way back in 1977 Richie has been a much loved member of the Nine family. More than that, he sat at the head of our table. We shall miss him dearly, but we'll forever treasure his indelible memory and all the marvellous values for which he stood." - Channel 9 chief executive David Gyngell
"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." - Channel 9 head of sport Steve Crawley
"Some people would say to me 'I wish Richie had a sense of humour'. They were wrong, of course. He was as dry as they come." - Ian Chappell
"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." - Shane Warne
"The standard he set has been tremendous for cricket, has been tremendous for television and if any young cricketer wants an example of how to behave and perform, I think Richie Benaud is the man." - Bill Lawry
"He didn't take himself or the game as seriously as people thought. He enjoyed the game. He saw it as a form of entertainment." - Mark Taylor
"He has been the most influential, revered and respected person in the game for 50 years. As Australian captain he never lost a series. As a commentator he was precise, authoritative and deliciously understated." - ABC radio commentator Jim Maxwell
"Wonderful personality who was always warm and encouraging. Had great insights on the game. Fondly remember our discussion on the art of legspin along with Shane Warne in Sharjah. Last spoke to him late last year. Was not well but full of enthusiasm. Great loss to the world of cricket. Heartfelt condolences to Richie's family and friends." - Sachin Tendulkar
"He was a great assessor of the game. With Richie, it was never a risk but always a calculated decision to do something." - Alan Davidson
"He was a great player and a great captain; a wonderful leader of men and he continued that off the field. He loved winning. He helped the Australian team have the attitude where they wanted to win. He played the game the right way." - Michael Clarke
"He set an incredibly high standard on the field. 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." - Darren Lehmann
"Richie Benaud is irreplaceable to Australian cricket and an enormous loss. 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." - Steve Waugh
"Richie was very positive in his cricket, he was very positive in anything and everything he did. His attitude to the game and players of the game as a journalist and a commentator was always positive. He was an inspiration as a player and was a mentor to many of us, myself included, since his playing days." - Greg Chappell
"He was quite simply peerless. Nobody else had his authority, popularity and skill. If you speak to any broadcaster from any sport, they will point to Richie as the standard-bearer." - Jonathan Agnew
"Richie sums up all that is great about our sport. He was a true gentlemen with a real insight into the game, he made heroes of the players he commentated on and his enthusiasm for the sport made you want to get off the sofa and play. He will be sorely missed." - Peter Moores
I grew up with his voice in my ears,on my 1st trip to Aus he was the man I was most nervous to meet. #RIPRichieBenaud - Graeme Smith
"There would be very few Australians who have not passed a summer in the company of Richie Benaud. He was the accompaniment of an Australian summer." - Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott