Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe dead at 53

Former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe has died of lymphoma aged 53, his family said today.

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.

Crowe is survived by his wife, Lorraine Downs, and two stepchildren.

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.