New Zealand’s greatest batsman Martin Crowe died on Thursday at the age of 53 after a prolonged battle with cancer, his family said.
“Diagnosed in September 2014 with terminal double-hit lymphoma, he passed away peacefully today, Thursday, March 3, in Auckland surrounded by family,” his family said in a statement.
Read | New Zealand batting legend Martin Crowe dies after battle with cancer
Crowe enjoyed a 13-year international career from 1982-95, including four years as captain.
He had a Test average of 45.36 in 77 matches and held a slew of New Zealand batting records when he retired, including most Test runs (5,444), highest Test score (299), most 50s (35) and most hundreds (17) -- the last of which still stands.
While recognised for his achievements as a batsman, Crowe’s major impact on the game arguably came after he retired in 1995 and laid the foundation for cricket’s Twenty20 revolution.
Read | Martin Crowe: Stylish, elegant batsman who laid the foundation for T20
Such was his impact that the tributes started to pour in, from teammates and opponents, both former and current.
{{/usCountry}}Such was his impact that the tributes started to pour in, from teammates and opponents, both former and current.
{{/usCountry}}Among the first to express their condolences were, not surprisingly, New Zealand cricketers and the country’s cricket board.
Indian cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, also bid Crowe goodbye.
Commentators Harsha Bhogle and Ayaz Memon expressed their thoughts on what Crowe offered, as a cricketer and as a person.
Australia are one of New Zealand’s fiercest rivals, in both cricket and rugby. And players from the Kiwis’ trans-Tasman neighbours had nothing but respect for Crowe.
Pakistan pace bowling legend Wasim Akram described Crowe as the ‘BEST’ he ever bowled against.
(With inputs from AFP)