Former New Zealand Cricket Captain Martin Crowe Dies at 53

Martin Crowe, a cricketer of prodigious talent who made batting appear effortless while secretly struggling with the burden of being a world-class player in otherwise modest New Zealand teams, passed away of cancer on Thursday. He was 53. (Crowe 'Honoured' by ICC Hall of Fame Award)

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 advise 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.

Actor Russell Crowe, Martin Crowe's New Zealand-born cousin, called him "my champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you forever. RIP".

India all-rounder Anil Kumble said "a modern great and cricket icon Martin Crowe is no more. Brilliant cricket brain and a warm persona".

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke used Instagram to post a photo of Crowe, saying "you will always be a legend in my eyes. Thank you for all your help and advice. Now you can rest easy my friend. Miss you already".

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.

Crowe was a batsman in the classical mode, standing tall at the crease, using his feet with great expertise and playing spin and fast bowling with equal assurance. But he was often also wracked by self-doubt.

In his autobiography, "Raw," Crowe said he "became a man who harbored grudges. ... The world record-holder for grievances".

He wrote that he had "a disconnected spirit and soul overwhelmed by the ego and the emotional instability created from my unfinished teenage development".