Shane Warne posts open letter to Richie Benaud on Instagram

Richie Benaud and Shane Warne at the Allan Border Medal Awards in 2012

Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne paid a heartfelt tribute to Richie Benaud after the latter’s passing away on Friday. Warne thanked Benaud for all the help he had received from the late great Australian when he was starting off with his career.

Benaud was the most successful spinner in the history of Australian cricket until Warne showed up on the international scene in the 1990s. As you would expect, Benaud was a source of inspiration for the Victorian spinner as both practiced the art of leg-spin.

Warne’s open letter read as follows:

Dear Richie,

I've known you & Daphne for close to 30 years & to everyone you were a legend on all levels & rightly so too. As a cricketer, commentator & as a person, you were the best there's ever been & to top it off, an absolute gentleman...

For me it was an honour & a privilege to call you a close friend & mentor, we had so many wonderful times together, talking cricket & in particular, our love & passion of leg spin bowling. I will cherish our entertaining dinners & all the fun times we shared over a long period of time.

I would also like to thank you & Daphne for all your support & time you made for me as a young cricketer & leg spin bowler trying to make his way as an 18 year old, your tips & advice along the journey meant so much !!! Richie, you were loved by everyone, not just the cricket family, you were the godfather of cricket & you will be missed by all...

R.I.P my friend #hero#BowledRichie

Benaud passed away earlier today at the age of 84. During his international career, the Penrith-born cricketer scored 2201 runs and took 248 wickets in 63 Test matches. He later moved into the commentary box and is often considered the greatest cricket commentator of all time.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Daphne, and two children from his first marriage.