text: A private funeral service attended by ex-players Shane Warne and Ian Chappell was held on Wednesday for former Australia cricket captain and commentator Richie Benaud. Benaud died last Friday at the age of 84 of complications from skin cancer. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott had extended the offer of a state funeral to Benaut's wife, Daphne, which she declined. Mr Abbott said the offer was a mark of respect for a man who meant so much to millions of people in Australia and around the world. Richie Benaud's small private funeral was attended by close family and friends in Sydney on Wednesday . Benaud's memorial booklet, titled 'Remembering Richie', included a few words thanking the guests . Daphne Benaud (centre), with family and friends, listens to speeches about her late husband Richie . Former Australia captain and now cricket commentator Ian Chappell makes a speech during Benaud's wake . January 1952: Test debut against West Indies at Sydney Cricket Ground . January 1952: First of 248 Test wickets and 2,201 Test runs . December 1958: First Test as Australia captain, v England at Brisbane . Summer 1960: First radio commentary for BBC . December 1963: In his 60th Test, the first to 2,000 Test runs & 200 wickets . Summer 1963: First television commentary for BBC . February 1964: Final Test against South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground . September 2005: Final commentary in England after 42 years . But after he received a phone call from Mrs Benaud, he remarked 'my understanding is that Richie's own wishes was for something very, very quiet and very, very private'. Instead, Benaut's family opted for a smaller service at the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park attended only by family and close friends. Benaud's former teammate, Brian Booth, led the service. In the memorial booklet, his family described Benaud as 'a special person who means so much to each of us in many different ways.' Benaud, considered one of the most influential cricket identities of the past century, played 63 tests for Australia but was more well-known for his career in the commentating booth. Following the funeral service, a memorial was held at the Australian Golf Club attended by Richie's former cricket commentating colleagues, Channel Nine network executives and Test cricketers past and present. Benaud was loved by many cricket fans around the world for his distinctive voice and commentary style . Benaud, pictured on his wedding day to wife Daphne, and during his time as Australia captain . Tributes for Benaud were placed at a statue outside the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia . Tributes were laid for the former  broadcaster in Sydney as the cricket world mourned his loss . Members of the England and West Indies cricket team observe a minute's silence for Benaud on Monday .
target: Legendary former Australian cricketer and commentator Richie Benaud died on Friday at the age of 84 of complications from skin cancer .
  His wife, Daphne, declined a government offer for a state funeral .
  Instead, there was a smaller service attended by family and close friends .
  In the memorial booklet at the funeral, Benaud's family described him as 'a special person who means so much to each of us in many different ways'
  CLICK HERE to watch 10 of Richie Benaud's finest moments .