Cricketing legend Richie Benaud injured in car crash in Sydney suburb

Legendary cricket figure Richie Benaud has suffered injuries in a car accident and is in a Sydney hospital, according to reports.

According to The Age, the 83-year-old former Australian Test captain and long-time commentator on Channel Nine sustained chest and shoulder injuries, as well as a broken sternum, while driving towards his Coogee home in his prized 1963 Sunbeam Alpine.

A statement from Nine said Benaud's car had mounted a nature strip and hit a small brick wall, the report mentioned.

Benaud himself said in the statement that no one else was injured, and he was more worried about the car than himself.

It is understood Benaud was returning home after hitting golf balls at the Australian Golf Club where he is a member, the report said.

He is to be hospitalised for two weeks at the Prince of Wales hospital, the report added.

Benaud's wife Daphne said he was in better spirits on Thursday after initially being shaken by the accident.

It was unclear whether Benaud would recover in time to call the first Test between Australia and England at the Gabba, starting on November 21, but Nine Entertainment CEO David Gyngell said he would be during the series, according to the report.