Pioneering cricketer Martin Crowe, widely acknowledged as New Zealand’s greatest batsman who laid the foundations for Twenty20 cricket, was hailed a “hero” Thursday after he died of cancer aged 53.

Diagnosed in September 2014 with terminal double-hit lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer, he passed away in Auckland surrounded by family.

“It is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe, MBE, advise his death,” his family said.

The batsman’s cousin, Hollywood star Russell Crowe, who was in frequent contact during his cancer fight, said he had lost a true friend.

Martin Crowe, a batting great and T20 pioneer

“My champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you forever. RIP M.D.Crowe,” the New Zealand-born actor tweeted.
Source: AFP