Bingle, who had been suffering from liver and pancreatic cancer, was being comforted by his family in hospital when he passed away.

Lara's fiance, cricketer Michael Clarke, had delayed his departure to the West Indies on Thursday when Bingle took a turn for the worse.

"All I can do right now is provide as much support and strength as I can to Lara and her family," Clarke said last night.

"Like all families that have endured loss it is very difficult and sad."