Former Australian cricket captain Richie Benaud has revealed he is battling skin cancer and is undergoing radiation therapy.

The highly regarded commentator made his illness public on Monday at the Nine Network’s launch for its summer cricket coverage.

Benaud, 84, is receiving treatment for skin cancers on his forehead and the top of his head.

‘‘I’m coping with it very well - the doctors are pleased,’’ Benaud said at the SCG.

‘‘I’m going along slowly. The cancers need to be treated.’’

Benaud urged people to take precautions to protect themselves in the sun.

‘‘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,’’ said Benaud.

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

Benaud attended the Nine launch with the broadcast team including Bill Lawry, Ian Chappell, Mark Nicholas, Brett Lee and Shane Warne.

He has been away from his commentary role since crashing his car on the way home from a golf game 13 months ago.

He said he was still recovering from the car accident injuries which included two fractured vertebrae.

However, he confirmed he would make a return to cover the fourth Test against India at the SCG in his home town.

‘‘Progress is slow,’’ he said.

‘‘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.’’

Without the information on skin cancer danger now available during his playing days, Benaud revealed he was influenced by the example of great allrounder Keith Miller.

‘‘When I was a kid, you never ever wore a cap - not a flash one,’’ Benaud said.

‘‘That’s because Keith Miller never wore a cap. Arthur Morris did when he went out to bat.

‘‘We follow various people and ’Nugget’ Miller never wore anything on his head, so I didn’t.‘‘I wish I had.’’

AAP