Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe has died of lymphoma aged 53, his family said on Thursday.
Crowe was first diagnosed with aggressive follicular lymphoma in 2012 and after chemotherapy, he was thought to be in remission. But Crowe announced in September 2014 that the cancer, which he called "my friend and tough taskmaster," had returned.
Crowe is survived by his wife, lorraine Downs, and two stepchildren.
In a statement his family said "it is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe advise his death. The family request privacy at this time."
Crowe played 77 tests and 143 one-day internationals for New Zealand in a 13-year career. He scored 5,444 test runs at an average of 45.36 with 17 centuries.
‘Crowe was exceptional’
The International Cricket Council has expressed its sadness at the passing of ICC Cricket Hall of Famer and former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe, who died on Thursday aged 53.
In a statement, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said Crowe was a true legend of the game who had earned the admiration and respect of millions of cricket fans across the globe with his stylish stroke-play and strong-minded determination.
"Martin's passing is very sad news. He was not only one of the finest batsmen New Zealand has ever produced but also one of the very best the world has ever seen," said Richardson.
"Martin's batting combined grace and style with a strong mind and disciplined stroke-selection, making him one of the most exciting batsmen to watch and very difficult to dislodge. He was exceptional throughout his career in both forms of the game and against all oppositions.
"Martin was a larger than life cricketer, and a deep and innovative thinker of the game. Despite his serious illness, he was at the forefront of promoting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 when he made special appearances in New Zealand to talk about the sport he loved and the way it should be played.
"Martin made an outstanding contribution to the game for which we all thank him.
"On behalf of the ICC, I express my deepest condolences to Martin's family, including his elder brother Jeff, who is one of our elite officials, as well as New Zealand Cricket."
Crowe made his international debut at the age of 19 in 1982 and retired in 1995 after representing New Zealand in 77 Tests and 143 One-Day Internationals. He scored 5,444 Test runs with 17 centuries, the most by a New Zealand batsman, and 4,704 ODI runs, including 456 runs in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 that won him the player of the tournament award.
Crowe captained New Zealand in 16 Tests and 44 ODIs.
During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match in Auckland between New Zealand and Australia, Crowe was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Crowe later described his induction as one of the highlights of his career.
A funeral service will be held at Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral on March 10.
‘Crowe was a good thinker’
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar hailed former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe, who passed away on Thursday, as one of the best batsmen in the history of the sport and a good thinker of the game.
"In his passing the game has lost not just one of the best batsmen in its history but also a good thinker of the game and one who had innovative ideas to make the game grow," said Gavaskar in a statement.
"I have just returned from a dinner with Ian Chappell in Sydney and we raised a glass in Martin's memory. May his soul rest in peace," he added.
Diagnosed in September 2014 with terminal double-hit lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer, Crowe passed away at the age of 53 in Auckland surrounded by family.
Gavaskar said like any good batsman, Crowe did not give his wicket easily and fought till the end.
"Martin Crowe's passing away is very sad news indeed. We all knew that he was on borrowed time but like all good batsmen he didn't give his wicket away easily and fought till the end," the former India captain stated.