Aussie test cricket cult figure Ashley Mallett has died on Friday at the age of 76.

The South Australian spinner passed away in Adelaide after a long-term battle with cancer.

Mallett, who played 38 tests and took 132 wickets for Australia from 1968-80, was a popular figure on and off the cricket field and earned another legion off fans in his life after cricket as an accomplished author.

The former test cricketer continued to be active in his writings this year despite being in the latter stages of his illness.

He co-authored Neil Harvey's biography The Last Invincible, which was released in June this year.

Mallett was a fan favourite in the golden era of Australian cricket under the captaincy of Ian Chappell.

The finger spinner was the understated side-kick to the feared Australian bowling attack of the 1970s — famously remembered as the era of fast-bowling demons Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson.

His rare athleticism and skill while fielding in the gully created a legacy and a new standard for future generations of Australian cricketers in the field.

He featured in significant test series victories overseas against India and was part of the victorious Ashes team from the 1974-75 series.

His list of records — which includes his famous figures of 8/59 against Pakistan at Adelaide Oval in 1972 — backs up his reputation of being one of the best finger spinners Australia has ever seen.