Internet Desk: Arguably one of the greatest Kiwi batsman Martin Crowe, died of cancer Thursday. A cricketer of prodigious talent who made batting appear effortless, died at the age of 53.
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.
In a statement, his family said “it is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe advises 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 the son of a first-class cricketer — his father Dave played a handful of matches for New Zealand’s Canterbury province and had high ambitions for sons Jeff and Martin to surpass his achievements. Both went on to play for and captain New Zealand during one of the country’s most successful periods in international cricket.
His innings of 299 against Sri Lanka in 1991 was the highest test score by a New Zealander until 2014, when Brendan McCullum scored 302 against India on the same ground at Wellington.
Crowe’s partnership of 467 with Andrew Jones was, at its time, the largest for any wicket in test history and remains the third-highest.
Crowe’s innovative leadership in the 1992 World Cup will always be remembered as he carried New Zealand to the semifinals. He used off-spinner Dipak Patel to great effect with the new ball and excelled with his field settings and aggression at the top of the order.
Crowe, started his career as a promising medium-pace bowler but injury quickly forced him to quit the bowling crease.
Crowe is survived by his wife, 1983 Miss Universe winner Lorraine Downes, and two stepchildren.