New Zealand Cricket has paid tribute to the “country’s greatest batsman” after former Black Caps skipper Martin Crowe died aged 53.
The former Black Caps captain had been diagnosed with lymphoma for a second time in September 2014.
Crowe scored 17 centuries in 77 Tests for his country and was named player of the tournament during the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
A statement from NZC read: “New Zealand Cricket is deeply saddened at the passing of our country’s greatest batsman, Martin David Crowe, aged 53.
“Our thoughts at this moment are with his much loved family members, friends and all who loved him. NZC will fully acknowledge Martin’s enormous contribution to the game at an appropriate juncture.”
New Zealand Cricket is deeply saddened at the passing of our country’s greatest batsman, Martin David Crowe, aged 53 pic.twitter.com/UGk75OFMW5
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 3, 2016
Crowe captained his country between 1990 and 1993, a time which coincided with the Black Caps’ run to the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup.
The skipper scored one century and four fifties in the tournament before New Zealand lost to eventual winners Pakistan at Eden Park.
He retired in 1996 due to a knee injury and went on to work as a television pundit.
Crowe, whose brother Jeff also captained New Zealand, announced in 2012 he was suffering from lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, which he overcame in 2013.
But he confirmed the disease had returned in 2014 by writing on Twitter: “After a brilliant year of self discovery and recovery I have more work to do. My friend & tough taskmaster Lymphoma is back to teach me.”
He is survived by wife Lorraine Downes, daughter Emma and step-children Hilton and Jasmine.
Source: ECB