Richie Benaud, the former Australia cricket captain and commentator, has announced he is battling skin cancer.

The 84-year-old is undergoing radiation therapy and made his illness public at an event in Sydney to mark the start of Australia's summer season.

"I'm coping with it very well - the doctors are pleased," said Benaud. "I'm going along slowly."

Benaud, who is receiving treatment for cancers on his forehead and the top of his head, played 63 Tests and has not commentated since a car crash in October last year, when he suffered two fractured vertebrae. He said he will cover the fourth Test against India at the Sydney Cricket ground in early January.