Martin Crowe dies at 53

Mr Crowe’s achievements saw him recognised in a number of significant ways, being named New Zealand Sportsman of the Year and awarded an MBE in 1991 as well as inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame last year.

“A modern great and cricket icon Martin Crowe is no more”.

Born in Henderson, New Zealand, Crowe made his debut for New Zealand in 1982 aged 19 and went on to make a considerable mark both on and off the pitch as a cricketer, commentator and author.

Crowe is survived by his second wife, former Miss Universe Lorraine Downes, who he married in 2009, and daughter Emma from his first marriage.

“He has inspired generations of young cricketers and is a genuinely great New Zealand leader”.

Former Black Caps skipper Stephen Fleming, who briefly played with Crowe in the New Zealand team, was one of many well-known cricketing figures to pass on their condolences, saying Crowe was one of New Zealand’s “true greats”.

“RIP Martin Crowe, thoughts with family and friends”.

An American executive at his new employer Sky Television complained cricket was too long and should be more like baseball, prompting Crowe to begin looking at the options.

He played 77 Tests and 143 one-day internationals for New Zealand, averaging 45.36 with the bat in the five-day format.

Crowe captained his country from 1990-1993, mixing his prodigious style at the crease with a number of innovations, including opening the bowling with spinners, implementing unexpected field placements and utilising pinch-hitting batsmen.

The tally was only surpassed as the highest Test score by a New Zealander in 2014 when Brendon McCullum struck 302 against India in Wellington.

In 1991, he put on a then record 467 runs for the third wicket with Andrew Jones against Sri Lanka – a partnership that still stands third in the all-time best list – going on to score 299.

Watched New Zealand make their first World Cup final, losing to Australia. Crowe revealed he was in constant pain from a recurring knee injury.

In 2012, Crowe was diagnosed with lymphoma which he fought bravely, and while he never got the chance to even up his numbers, it took nothing away from a glorious career by an outstanding player – a declaration no one in cricket would disagree with.

Russell, who is Martin’s cousin, tweeted: “I will love you forever”.

“So this is likely to be it. The last, maybe, and I can happily live with that”.