Martin Crowe, the New Zealand batting legend, passed away on Thursday (March 3) at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer, his family said.
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His second-innings 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.
Widely considered the finest batsman in New Zealand cricket’s history, Crowe debuted against Australia aged 19 in 1982, and quickly established a reputation as the most meticulous of batsmen, his technique widely admired.
The former Black Caps captain and batsman played 77 Tests and 143 one-day internationals, averaging 45.36 in the five-day format.
Despite his control at the crease, Crowe later revealed he suffered crippling pre-match anxiety, sometimes blacking out at training due to severe nerves.
New Zealand Cricket issued a short statement acknowledging Crowe’s death on their website Thursday and a spokesman said they were honoring his family’s wishes for privacy. “RIP M.D.Crowe”, the New Zealand-born actor tweeted.
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 former Indian legspinner Anil Kumble called him a cricketing icon. A magnificent cricketer and wonderful man who will be sadly missed.
He wrote on ESPN Cricinfo: “Without question, this will be the personal cricketing highlight of my life, and I sense for New Zealand too.
Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi said: “Kiwi Gr8 MCrowe is no more & Crkt world is poorer again.truly giant o modern batsmen & fine analyst!RIP Martin Crowe!Condolences 2 NZ Crkt!”
“Martin was one of the first to congratulate me after I went past his score; he seemed to enjoy the moment for my sake, which was really selfless of him”, McCullum said.
Current New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said Crowe’s death was a shock.
Crowe also captained the side who reached the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup, scoring 100 not out in victory over Australia in the opening match of the tournament at Eden Park.
He is survived by wife Lorraine Downes, daughter Emma and step-children Hilton and Jasmine.
A promising young batsman, in 1985 he was named one of the Wisden Cricketer of the Year.
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New Zealand cricket great Martin Crowe’s impact on the game, like his follow through, was just as elegant off the field as on.
