Thursday 3 March 2016 14:00, UK
Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe has died aged 53 after a long battle with cancer.
"It is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe, MBE advise his death," read a family statement.
"Diagnosed in September 2014 with terminal double-hit lymphoma, he passed away peacefully today, Thursday, March 3, in Auckland surrounded by family." The statement was headed 'God Speed. Rest in Peace'.
Widely regarded as New Zealand's finest batsman, Crowe played 77 Tests between 1982 and 1995, scoring 5,444 runs at an average of 45.36.
The elegant right-hander also scored 4,704 runs at an average of 38.55 in one-day internationals. In a first-class career of 247 matches, including a spell in county cricket with Somerset, he scored 71 centuries and 19,608 runs.
In his retirement, Crowe devised a new ultra-short form of the game called Cricket Max for his new employer Sky Television in New Zealand, which helped lay the foundation for the modern Twenty20 revolution.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White paid tribute to Crowe's contribution to the game.
"It's incredibly sad and hard to believe he has been taken from us so early," White said. "Our hearts go out to his family and close friends.
"Over the next few days and weeks we will celebrate his life and outstanding contribution to New Zealand and world cricket."
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said: "Martin was a truly great sportsman - one of our finest-ever batsmen and sharpest cricketing minds."
ICC chief executive David Richardson said: "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. Martin was a larger than life cricketer, and a deep and innovative thinker of the game."
Tributes for the Auckland-born right-hander also flooded in from around the world after his death was announced in New Zealand.
Former New Zealand Test captain Stephen Fleming wrote on Twitter: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Martin Crowe this morning. An inspiration to me and so many others. One of our true greats. RIP hogan."
While Fleming's team-mate Scott Styris wrote: "So sad to hear news of Martin Crowe passing away. For those of us who grew up watching cricket in the 80s, we owe him immensely."
Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns said: "I will miss him dearly as over the last couple of years there were messages of encouragement between us both as we battled our own demons. His situation however, always put mine in perspective and I marvelled at his resolve. Today is a sad day."
Former Australia captain Allan Border said: "He was a great competitor, had great technique, won a lot of games for New Zealand and is bracketed up there with the greats of the game."
Michael Clarke, another ex-Australia skipper, said: "You will always be a legend in my eyes. Thank you for all your help and advice. Now you can rest easy my friend. Miss you already."
Former England all-rounder Sir Ian Botham tweeted: "Very sad to wake up to the news that Martin "Hogan" Crowe has passed away...!! One of the best to play the wonderful game !! RIP."
Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble said: "A modern great and cricket icon Martin Crowe is no more. Brilliant cricket brain and a warm persona."
India legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: "Heartfelt condolences to family and fans of Martin Crow. Great cricketer and a fighter till the very end."
Cricket Wellington, one of the three first-class teams Crowe played for in New Zealand, described him as "a genius, true legend of the game", while the scoreboard at Wellington's Basin Reserve simply read "RIP Martin Crowe 299" - his highest score, achieved at the ground in 1991.
Crowe's cousin, Hollywood star Russell Crowe, who was in frequent contact during his cancer fight, said he had lost a true friend.
"My champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you forever. RIP M.D.Crowe," the New Zealand-born actor tweeted.
A funeral service will be held at Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral on March 10.
