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Funeral ceremony for Martin Crowe held

Greatest Kiwi Cricketer after Sir Richard Hadlee and one of the most intelligent cricketing mind ever , Rip.
 
RIP.

He was sick for a few years but still very sad to die so young. Big loss for cricket.
 
It has been coming.

One of the best five batsmen that I have watched in over 40 years of cricket watching, but he had the best technique of any batsman in that time.
 
A statement released by his family, and headed "God Speed, Rest in Peace", said: "It is with heavy hearts that the family of Martin Crowe, MBE advise his death."

"Diagnosed in September 2014 with terminal double hit lymphoma he passed away peacefully today, Thursday 3rd March in Auckland surrounded by family. The family request privacy at this time."

One of the finest athletes this country has ever produced, Crowe made a considerable mark both on and off the pitch during a life spent in sport.

Crowe's 14 years spent wearing the silver fern saw the world's best bowling attacks dispatched to all-corners by a batsman blessed with a wide array of strokes.

In 1991 his abundant ability saw him named New Zealand sportsman of the year and awarded an MBE for services to cricket. Crowe was inducted into the New Zealand sports hall of fame a decade later, having continued a love affair with cricket that extended long beyond his premature retirement.

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.

Born on September 22, 1962, in Henderson, Auckland, Crowe's father was former domestic cricketer Dave, while brother Jeff also went on to captain the New Zealand cricket side. The siblings were cousins of Hollywood actor Russell.

A stylish batsman, Crowe made his test debut in 1982 at the tender age of 19, batting at No 6 against Australia and experiencing the rare distinction of being run out in his maiden innings.

Watch: Martin Crowe's moving NZC Awards interview


He struggled early in his career - later saying his international call-up came "way too soon" - and he failed to reach double figures in his first six innings. But his immense talent soon became clear, scoring the first of his 17 test centuries in his eighth test against England.

Crowe's career highlight with the bat will, unfortunately, forever be married to his most regrettable playing stroke, edging behind off Arjuna Ranatunga to be dismissed for 299 at the Basin Reserve. At the time, in 1991, no New Zealand batsman had reached a triple 100, a drought that extended until Brendon McCullum's innings of 302 came 23 years after Crowe's effort and, fittingly, at the same venue.

A year later, Crowe came within one match of captaining New Zealand to their first Cricket World Cup final, thrilling home fans at an event held on both sides of the Tasman. Crowe was the standout performer at cricket's premier tournament, being named the best player after scoring one century and four fifties to lead his nation to the semifinals.

Crowe played his 77th and final test in 1995, falling for 15 in the first innings of a draw against India, and, a fortnight later, in his last one-day international, he scored 63 to help his side beat the same opposition.



His career was curtailed only by a chronic knee injury and, just 33 at the time, his influence at the crease could have continued for a number of years were it not for his body.

As it was, Crowe finished his test career with 5444 runs - at the time a New Zealand record - and an average of 45.36, bettered only by Kane Williamson (currently 49.23), John Reid (46.28) and protege Ross Taylor (currently 45.49). Crowe's 17 centuries remain the most by a New Zealander, four more than Williamson and Taylor.

After such a distinguished playing career, Crowe continued to have a role in cricket, either behind the microphone in the commentary box, as a mentor and batting coach to contemporary Black Caps, or continuing an innovative streak by creating the Cricket Max format, a precursor to Twenty20.

Crowe of New Zealand on his way to a century against Australia in the opening match of the 1992 Cricket World Cup at Eden Park. Photo / Herald archives

Crowe married Downes, a former Miss Universe, in 2009 following a 25-year friendship. He had previously been married to interior designer Simone Curtice, from whom he separated in 1996, while he also had a daughter with Suzanne Taylor.

But Crowe's relationship with the game he loved was a constant and, in 2011, at the age of 49, he shocked the cricket community by declaring his intention to return to the first class scene, 16 years after retiring. Crowe turned out for former club Cornwall and aimed to once again play for Auckland but, after sustaining four muscle injuries in as many months, he admitted his body was unable to withstand the rigours of the sport.

Crowe at his apartment in Auckland, 2006. Photo / Doug Sherring

The mere fact Crowe seriously contemplated a return to the middle was a measure of the man's talent, with his hand-eye coordination and shot-making ability belied only by an ailing body.

Sadly for Crowe, those health issues soon extended outside of the lines, announcing in 2012 he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, blaming the illness on an immune system ravaged by the various maladies he endured while touring the world during his cricket career.



A year later Crowe confirmed he was clear of cancer's grip but in September 2014 said on Twitter he had suffered a lymphoma relapse, with his condition seriously worsening in the last few months.

"When he had completed chemotherapy he looked a shadow of the young man I once knew," said Sir John Graham, Crowe's headmaster at Auckland Grammar and a former All Black captain. "Yet he spoke with a growing and renewed confidence of his desire to help others. He spoke of the importance, particularly to young New Zealanders, of following one's dreams, of facing challenges, of aiming high."

Martin Crowe and wife Lorraine Downes at the 2015 Cricket Awards. Photo / Dean Purcell

In February last year, Crowe was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, receiving the honour at the Cricket World Cup pool match between the Black Caps and Australia. He received a standing ovation in front of a full house at Eden Park, a ground he made his own during the Cricket World Cup of 1992. Crowe became the third New Zealander to gain a place in the Hall, alongside Sir Richard Hadlee and Debbie Hockley.

One of his last public appearances was at the New Zealand Cricket awards last April when he gave a heartfelt speech congratulating the retiring Daniel Vettori on his career.

Before the Cricket World Cup final Crowe penned an emotional column for espncricinfo.com, writing: "My precarious life ahead may not afford me the luxury of many more games to watch. So this is likely to be it. I can happily live with that."

-*NZ Herald
 
Just heard it on the news now.... Horrible news.

Condolences to his family and friends.
 
I think every cricket lover, esp those who followed 92 WC should take a moment here and acknowledge Martin Crowe. Guy was a tremendous batsman, the best NZ ever produced. We will miss you Martin.
 
RIP Martin Crowe. Learned a lot from him simply watching him bat, on a tv set. The man was a phenomenal cricketer.
 
RIP.

One of the most elegant batsmen I have ever seen and arguably the greatest batsman to average below 50.
 
Rest in Peace, always heard stories of his knock and watched him bat in some highlights. Sad day a legend has left us.
 
Knew he was fighting cancer but never thought it would take him away this soon

Have been a great fan of his writing and his piece during the World Cup on South Africa, remains fresh in my mind. One of the few cricketers who I felt had a fantastic understanding of the game and knew how to articulate it in words

It is quite a strange feeling of loss despite not having seen or known the guy, never saw him play (during his international career)

May his soul be blessed & compassion towards his family
 
OMG. He was only 53 and it is not an age to die. The greatest New Zealand batsman IMO. RIP
 
I am little shock that he passed away, I thought he recovered. RIP MC!!!
 
Cricket Australia pays tribute to Martin Crowe

MEDIA RELEASE
3 March 2016

Cricket Australia has paid tribute to former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe, who died today aged 53.

Widely regarded as his country’s best batsman, Crowe debuted as a 19-year-old, playing 77 Tests between 1982 and 1995. He scored 5444 runs at an average of 45.37 with 17 centuries, more than any other New Zealander.

Crowe dominated New Zealand’s series victory in Australia during 1985-86, averaging 77, and later captained the Black Caps in 16 Tests and 44 one-day internationals.

He played 143 ODIs, scoring 4704 runs at an average of 38.55 with four centuries and 34 half-centuries.

Crowe played in three World Cups and led New Zealand to the semi-final of the 1992 tournament, where his side lost to eventual champions Pakistan in Auckland.

New Zealand's run to the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup last March featured prominently in Crowe's last months.

He was inducted into the International Cricket Council's Hall of Fame at the innings break in New Zealand's pool match against Australia in late February last year, prompting a standing ovation from 40,000 fans at Eden Park.

When the Black Caps continued their run to the final against Australia, Crowe travelled to Melbourne, describing the match as without question the personal cricketing highlight of his life.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland paid tribute to Crowe for his contribution to the game.

“Martin Crowe was amongst the finest players of his generation, a delightful stroke-maker who made an enormous impact in New Zealand and around the cricket world,” Mr Sutherland said.

“He was an important player in the New Zealand teams of the mid `80s which went unbeaten in 10 of 13 series from the time of his debut.

“Martin inspired his country by taking New Zealand to the 1992 World Cup semi-finals and was a revolutionary thinker on the game whose contribution to cricket continued long after he retired.

“He will be sadly missed around the world, including by many Australian cricketers who held deep affection for him and admired his wonderful talents.

“The thoughts of the Australian cricket family are with his family and many friends at this sad time.”
 
Heartbreaking :(

PP Should change the banner/background in memory of this legend !
 
Sincere condolences on the demise of this genuinely nice and great cricketer.

RIP Dear Martin. You will be missed.
 
Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe passes away

Top batsman and one of the best tacticians cricket has seen. One of my all time favorite cricketers. RIP.
 
RIP when i started watching cricket Martin Crowe was considered a legend from Kiwi team sad to see him die.
 
Rest in Peace.
Your ways of innovative cricket will be felt eons later as well.


Still remember a montage ad on ESPN where he is shown giggling while enjoying a lighter moment during a test match in India. That ll be his everlasting memory for me. :)
 
Apart from being one of Tendulkar's idols, was also highly rated by Wasim. If I'm not mistaken, Wasim once said Martin played his reverse swing the best among all batsmen who'd toured Pakistan.

Innovative captain and great commentator too in the '90s and early 2000s.
 
He was the greatest NZ batsman ever. As someone who saw him bat in 92 world cup and even before that, can never forget his class, talent and daredevilry. In the AustralAsia cup in 86, when a young Akram was running amok, he was hitting him for back to back sixes. Reason why Akram rated him so highly. True great. RIP sir
 
pillionrider said:
If I'm not mistaken, Wasim once said Martin played his reverse swing the best among all batsmen who'd toured Pakistan.

Innovative captain and great commentator too in the '90s and early 2000s.
Click to expand...


Yes. Akram credits him to being prolly the only person who could play the reverse swing during the early days of that artistry.

Crowe actually treated every delivery as a possible inswinger and refrained from chasing any delivery if it went the other way. A quickfix sorta technique, but paid dividends none the less.
 
R.I.P . What a terrible loss to cricket.

I request the mods to sticky this thread as a tribute to him. [MENTION=138379]#GreenRoars[/MENTION]
 
Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe passes away

I never saw Martin Crowe play, but had heard enough so much his exploits in the World Cup 1992 through my father and my elder brother... Then years after he joined an online website and I told my father that the cricketer he had told me so much about now writes articles online. Reading them I developed bit of an attachment towards him, especially after discovering about his illness and his struggles in life.

It was mostly for him, his passion for the New Zealand team, his father-like love and concerns for them that made me desperately want them to win the last world cup.

Condolences to all his beloved ones....
 
Batsmen kiwis ever produced, sad news indeed RIP :(
 
RIP.

Imran Khan rates him a lot.

In fact, our team of the 90s had huge respect for Crowe.
 
RIP, a sad loss for cricket to lose one of the greats.
 
ICC statement on the passing of Martin Crowe

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its sadness at the passing of ICC Cricket Hall of Famer and former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe, who died today aged 53.

In a statement, ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said Crowe was a true legend of the game who had earned the admiration and respect of millions of cricket fans across the globe with his stylish stroke-play and strong-minded determination.

“Martin’s passing is very sad news. He was not only one of the finest batsmen New Zealand has ever produced but also one of the very best the world has ever seen,” said Mr Richardson.

“Martin’s batting combined grace and style with a strong mind and disciplined stroke-selection, making him one of the most exciting batsmen to watch and very difficult to dislodge. He was exceptional throughout his career in both forms of the game and against all oppositions.

“Martin was a larger than life cricketer, and a deep and innovative thinker of the game. Despite his serious illness, he was at the forefront of promoting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 when he made special appearances in New Zealand to talk about the sport he loved and the way it should be played.

“Martin made an outstanding contribution to the game for which we all thank him.

“On behalf of the ICC, I express my deepest condolences to Martin’s family, including his elder brother Jeff, who is one of our elite officials, as well as New Zealand Cricket.”

Crowe made his international debut at the age of 19 in 1982 and retired in 1995 after representing New Zealand in 77 Tests and 143 One-Day Internationals. He scored 5,444 Test runs with 17 centuries, the most by a New Zealand batsman, and 4,704 ODI runs, including 456 runs in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 that won him the player of the tournament award.

Crowe captained New Zealand in 16 Tests and 44 ODIs.

During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match in Auckland between New Zealand and Australia, Crowe was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Crowe later described his induction as one of the highlights of his career



Sent from my SM-G900FD using Tapatalk
 
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Terrific talent - literally owned the 92 WC and was sadly sidelined with an injury on the all important SF with Pakistan which ultimately led to NZs ouster from the cup.

RIP sir - thanks for all the memories.
 
Very sad news. RIP condolences to his family and friends.
 
Martin Crowe dies aged 53

Really sad news..May his soul rest in peace.
 
Yeah....surprised to not find a thread for this....was just about to open one......RIP.

An innovator and a game changer and above all a wonderful batsman and a human being.
 
Very sad...I was very young when 1992 world cup happened but I really loved watching him play. Wonderful player.
 
Yes very sad news.

A wonderful batsman. He was a batsman who played with no real effort, it all seemed to be timing.
 
Waqar Younis on the passing of Martin Crowe


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he possessed a wonderful technique and was a very classy batsman Something u dont see that often in right handers

manjrekar has admitted he and tendulkar styled themselves technique wise on crowe
 
Wasim Akram on Martin Crowe - "a perfect technique"

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1CAQPSzSTak" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Funeral ceremony for Martin Crowe held [Post#80]

Auckland - Cricketing greats honoured Martin Crowe at an emotional funeral for New Zealand's greatest batsman Friday, with his cousin, Hollywood star Russell Crowe, acting as a pallbearer.

About 1 000 mourners packed Auckland's Holy Trinity Cathedral to remember Crowe, who died on March 4 aged 53 after a long battle with cancer.

The batsman's brother Jeff, himself a former Black Caps captain, said the family had been touched by the outpouring of grief from across the cricketing world.

He was in Bangladesh on umpiring duties when Martin died and said there were heartfelt tributes from many involved in the game, including "a new Indian cricket generation".

"It had never really dawned on me... what a huge splash he made, what a true inspiration he was," Crowe senior told the service.

"Wasim Akram reminded me just the other day that Martin was the greatest batsman he ever bowled to - no higher praise than that," he added.

Former team-mates shared memories of a player who averaged 45.36 despite being plagued by injury in his 77-Test career, hitting 17 centuries -- still a New Zealand record.

Ex-Black Caps wicketkeeper Ian Smith read out a message from Australian great Allan Border, Crowe's fierce rival who became a close friend.

"Cricket has lost one of its iconic players. He will be fondly remembered, greatly missed but never forgotten, a true champion," Border said.

Smith said Crowe's cricketing brain was unsurpassed, describing him as years ahead of his time in devising a shortened form of the game that paved the way for Twenty20.

He also shared lighter memories, such as Crowe imitating opponents' techniques during rain delays in the dressing room and forcing team-mates to repeatedly watch films featuring his Oscar-winning cousin.

"(Martin) was in 'Gladiator' as an extra, he was a senator - well he was never going to be a footsoldier was he?" Smith quipped, referring to the Russell Crowe blockbuster.

The actor's presence at the service had been in doubt due to prior commitments, but he made the trip to New Zealand with his children.

He did not address the service but after Crowe's death tweeted: "My champion, my hero, my friend. I will love you forever."

He helped carry a casket bearing a giant inlaid silver fern to a hearse outside the cathedral as students from Crowe's former school Auckland Grammar performed a haka.

Smith said he saw Crowe in recent months "as things were shutting down" due to the cancer that was first diagnosed in October 2012 and then returned in September 2014.

"I won't remember him that way," he said.

"I'll always see a great man at the crease. White helmet, silver fern on... playing the most perfect straight drive back past the bowler for four."

Source : http://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/tributes-flow-at-emotional-crowe-funeral-20160311
 
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