Cricket in mourning as batting legend Martin Crowe loses battle with cancer

The world of cricket was in mourning today for Martin Crowe, one of the greatest batsman of all time who has died from cancer at the age of 53. The New Zealand star, who scored 5,444 test runs at an average of 45.36 with 17 centuries, was remembered for his feats on the field, his spirit off it and his dignity facing death from lymphona. Among those leading the tributes was former Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram, who tweeted: “RIP Martin Crowe you will always be remembered. You were the BEST I ever bowled against and a top human being.” But he was also saluted from stars from other sports, including New Zealand’s rugby All Blacks, and his cousin, Hollywood star Russell Crowe.

My champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you forever. RIP

Hollywood star Russell Crowe

His family confirmed on Thursday that Crowe, who was first diagnosed with lymphona in 2012, had died. "It is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe, MBE advise his death,“ his family said in a statement. The batsman, who battled crippling knee injuries which forced his retirement at 33, was fondly remembered for his innovative captaincy which led his unfancied side to a World Cup semi-final in 1992. Off the pitch he became a mentor to emerging players, a respected broadcaster, writer and cricket innovator who devised the forerunner of what would become the hugely popular T20 format. Last year, as he realised he was nearing death, he said watching the New Zealand side better his 1992 achievement to reach the final was one of the greatest days of his life.

Martin was a truly great sportsman - one of our finest-ever batsmen and sharpest cricketing minds. He was a world-class athlete whose exploits on the pitch endeared him to cricket fans around the world

New Zealand prime minister John Key

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