Former Australia captain Richie Benaud has skin cancer

Sydney, Nov 10 (IANS) Former Australian cricket captain and renowned commentator Richie Benaud revealed Monday that he has skin cancer and is undergoing radiation therapy.

Benaud, 84, said he is receiving treatment on his forehead and the top of his head.

"I'm coping with it very well - the doctors are pleased," he was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I'm going along slowly. The cancers need to be treated."

Benaud also said people should take precautions to protect themselves against sun rays.

"I recommend to everyone they wear protection on their heads. Eighty-four-year olds don't seem to mend as well as they used to," he said.

"When I was a kid, we never ever wore a cap. I wish I had. You live and learn as you go along."

The famous commentator has taken a break from commentating after suffering an accident 13 months ago which fractured two of his vertebrae and said he was still recovering from the injuries.

But he said he would return as a commentator to cover the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting Jan 3.

"Progress is slow. I've been doing a lot of walking. We are out every morning, doing 40-minute walks every morning and it's showing beneficial effects," the former Aussie all-rounder said.

Benaud said that during his playing days he was influenced by legendary all-rounder Keith Miller and never wore a cap.

"When I was a kid, you never ever wore a cap - not a flash one. That's because Keith Miller never wore a cap. Arthur Morris did when he went out to bat," he said, adding: "We follow various people and 'Nugget' Miller never wore anything on his head, so I didn't. I wish I had."