Hubbry Logo
Martin CroweMartin CroweMain
Open search
Martin Crowe
Community hub
Martin Crowe
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Martin Crowe
Martin Crowe
Martin Crowe
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Martin David Crowe MBE (22 September 1962 – 3 March 2016) was a New Zealand cricketer, Test and ODI captain as well as a commentator. He played for the New Zealand national cricket team between 1982 and 1995, and is regarded as one of the country's greatest batsmen.[1]

Key Information

Crowe made his first-class debut for Auckland aged of 17, and his Test debut for New Zealand aged 19. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1985, and was credited as one of the "best young batsmen in the world".[2] Crowe was appointed New Zealand's captain in 1990, and led the team until 1993. In a Test against Sri Lanka in 1991, he scored 299 runs, breaking the record for the highest score by a New Zealander. In the same match, he also set a new record for the highest partnership in Test cricket, putting on 467 runs with Andrew Jones. At the 1992 World Cup, which New Zealand co-hosted with Australia, Crowe was named the player of the tournament, and led his team to a semi-final. By the time he finished his international career in 1995, he held the records for the most Test and One Day International (ODI) runs scored for New Zealand.

After retiring from playing, Crowe remained involved in cricket as a writer and commentator. He was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2012, but was declared cancer-free the following year. However, the disease returned in 2014, and eventually led to his death in 2016.[3] He was also one of the drivers behind the ICC World Test Championship concept which was initially proposed in 2009, but did not eventuate until 2019.[4][5][6]

Early life

[edit]

Crowe was born in Henderson, a suburb of Auckland, to a family of cricketers.[7] His father, Dave Crowe, played first-class cricket for Canterbury and Wellington[8] and his older brother, Jeff Crowe, played Test cricket.[9] He was also the great-grandson of All Black Francis Jervis (his mother's maternal grandfather). One of the brothers' first cousins is actor Russell Crowe.[10] In 1968, Martin Crowe joined his father and brother at the Cornwall Cricket Club, with which he maintained a lifelong connection.[11][12] At Auckland Grammar School, which he attended from 1976 to 1980, he was deputy head boy in his final year. He captained the school's cricket team, and also played rugby union, as a wing.[11]

Domestic career

[edit]

Crowe made his first-class debut in January 1980, playing for Auckland against Canterbury.[13] Aged 17 at the time, he scored 51 runs in his first innings, which was his team's highest score.[14] In 1981, having been named New Zealand's Young Cricketer of the Year, Crowe was given the opportunity to spend six months on the ground staff of Lord's, simultaneously playing for the Marylebone Cricket Club.[11] Returning to New Zealand for the 1981–82 domestic season, he scored a maiden first-class century, making 150 runs against Canterbury.[15] Crowe switched to Central Districts after the 1982–83 season. His career for Central Districts was limited by his international duties, but in 32 first-class appearances (from 1983 to 1990), he averaged 68.72, with 13 centuries.[16] Crowe's highest score for the team (and in all New Zealand domestic cricket) was 242, made against Otago in January 1990.[17] That season was his last for Central Districts, as he transferred to Wellington prior to the 1990–91 season. In five seasons for Wellington, Crowe made only nine first-class appearances, the last of which came during the 1994–95 season.[13]

In 1984, Crowe signed to play English county cricket with Somerset.[13] He had great success in his first County Championship season, finishing second behind Vic Marks in Somerset's averages and placing sixth for overall runs scored.[18] However, Crowe did not return to the county until the 1987 season.[19] In that year's County Championship, he placed third in the overall averages (behind teammate Steve Waugh and Northamptonshire's Roger Harper), and also placed third for overall runs scored (behind Graeme Hick and Graeme Fowler).[20] Against Hampshire in the 1987 Benson & Hedges Cup (a limited-overs competition), he scored 155 not out from 119 balls, which was the highest one-day score of his career.[21] Crowe returned for a final season at Somerset in 1988, but was able to play only a handful of matches.[13] From 48 matches for Somerset, he finished with a first-class batting average of 59.46.[16]

International career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Crowe made his international debut for New Zealand in February 1982, in a One Day International (ODI) game against Australia played at Auckland's Eden Park.[22] He made his Test debut at the end of the month, playing against the same team at Wellington's Basin Reserve.[23] At the time, only six New Zealanders had made their Test debuts at a younger age.[24] At the 1983 World Cup in England, Crowe played in all six of his team's matches, with only Geoff Howarth scoring more runs. His highest score was 97, made in the opening game against England.[25] In January 1984, when England toured, Crowe scored his first Test century – 100 runs exactly.[26]

In 1985, Crowe made two scores of 188. The first came on a mid-year tour of the West Indies, with Crowe at the crease for 462 balls and over nine hours.[27] The second came in an end-of-year tour of Australia, in a match that was better known for Richard Hadlee's 15-wicket haul.[28] In a Test against the West Indies in February 1987, Crowe and John Wright put on 241 runs for the third wicket, setting a new third-wicket record for New Zealand.[29] Later in the year, Crowe played in the 1987 World Cup in India. He finished as New Zealand's leading run-scorer, making three half-centuries from six matches, although his team struggled (winning only against Zimbabwe).[30]

Captaincy and 1992 World Cup

[edit]

Crowe was first appointed captain of New Zealand for a tour of Pakistan in October and November 1990.[31] Before that point, he had been regarded as "captain designate" to John Wright, who was nearing the end of his international career.[32] Crowe's second series as captain came in early 1991, when Sri Lanka toured. In the first Test of the series, played in Wellington, Crowe scored 299 runs in his team's second innings, setting a new record for the highest score by a New Zealander.[a][b][33] He was at the crease for 523 balls and over ten hours, and scored 29 fours and three sixes.[34] Crowe and Andrew Jones (who scored 186) put on 467 runs for the third wicket, setting a new record for the highest partnership in Test cricket.[c][35] The pair helped New Zealand, behind by 323 runs on the first innings, to score 671/4 at the end of the final day's play, which at the time was the highest score in the third innings of a Test.[36]

At the 1992 World Cup, which New Zealand co-hosted with Australia, Crowe finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 456 runs, and was named player of the tournament. One of his highlights was an innings of 100 not out in the opening match against Australia, which New Zealand won by 37 runs.[37] In the tournament's group stages, New Zealand lost only a single game, against Pakistan. They topped the table, qualifying for a home semi-final against the same team (their first finals appearance since the 1979 tournament). Crowe chose to bat first, and scored 91 runs from 83 balls to help his team to a total of 262/7. However, when Pakistan batted, he chose to stay off the field and rest an injured hamstring, with John Wright taking over on the field. Pakistan won the match by four wickets.[38] Crowe largely blamed himself for his team's loss, and in a 2014 article said that his decision not to take the field was "a curse that had tormented me for over two decades".[39]

Crowe's last series as captain of New Zealand came when Australia toured in February and March 1993. He had struggled with injuries for several years, and was replaced by Ken Rutherford to allow him to concentrate on his form. However, he returned as captain for one final match in November 1993, the first game of a series against Australia.[23] In total, Crowe captained New Zealand in sixteen Tests, winning only two.[31] He had a much better record in ODIs, with the team winning 21 out of 44 matches under his captaincy.[40] Crowe was described by broadcaster Bryan Waddle as a "proactive rather than reactive" leader, who was "always prepared to be innovative".[41] He had a troubled relationship with the media throughout his captaincy, in one case using a press conference to confront a journalist who had published an article implying he had AIDS.[42]

Later years

[edit]

In his first series after giving up the captaincy, a 1994 tour of England, Crowe scored consecutive centuries, making 142 at Lord's and 115 at Old Trafford.[23] His series tally of 380 runs was the second-highest of his career.[43] Crowe continued playing for several more seasons, eventually retiring after a tour of India in October and November 1995.[23] He scored his final international hundred in the first ODI of the tour, aged 33.[44] Crowe finished with 5,444 Test runs and 4,704 ODI runs, both New Zealand records at the time.[45][46] At the time of his retirement, only Sir Richard Hadlee had played more Tests for New Zealand.[47] Crowe held the record for the most Test centuries by a New Zealander at the time, finishing with seventeen (including one against every Test-playing team but South Africa).[48]

In the 1992 New Year Honours, Crowe was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to cricket.[49] On 28 February 2015, Crowe was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. He was inducted in a ceremony during the lunch break of New Zealand's win against Australia during the 2015 World Cup.[50]

International centuries

[edit]
Martin Crowe's Test performance graph

Crowe made 21 centuries in international cricket, 17 in Tests and 4 in One Day Internationals. He scored his first Test century against England, also at the Basin Reserve on 20 January 1984, scoring 100.[51] He scored his final Test century, also against England at Old Trafford, Manchester on 30 June 1994,[52] scoring 115. He played his final Test match against India at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack on 8 November 1995,[53] having played 77 matches. His highest score in Tests is 299, scored against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve on 31 January 1991.[54]

He scored his first ODI century against England, also at Eden Park, scoring 105 not out.[55] He scored his final ODI century against India at the Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur on 15 November 1995,[56] scoring 107 not out, his highest score in ODIs. He played his final ODI in the final game of the same series against India at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur on 26 November 1995,[57] having played 143 matches.

Test centuries[58]
No. Score Opponent Venue Date Ref
1 100  England Basin Reserve, Wellington 20 January 1984 [51]
2 188  West Indies Bourda, Georgetown 6 April 1985 [59]
3 188  Australia The Gabba, Brisbane 8 November 1985 [60]
4 137  Australia Lancaster Park, Christchurch 28 February 1986 [61]
5 106  England Lord's, London 24 July 1986 [62]
6 119  West Indies Basin Reserve, Wellington 20 February 1987 [63]
7 104  West Indies Eden Park, Auckland 27 February 1987 [64]
8 137  Australia Adelaide Oval 11 December 1987 [65]
9 143  England Basin Reserve, Wellington 3 March 1988 [66]
10 174  Pakistan Basin Reserve, Wellington 10 February 1989 [67]
11 113  India Eden Park, Auckland 22 February 1990 [68]
12 108 not out  Pakistan Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 18 October 1990 [69]
13 299  Sri Lanka Basin Reserve, Wellington 31 January 1991 [54]
14 140  Zimbabwe Harare Sports Club 7 November 1992 [70]
15 107  Sri Lanka Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo 6 December 1992 [71]
16 142  England Lord's, London 16 June 1994 [72]
17 115  England Old Trafford, Manchester 30 June 1994 [52]
One Day International centuries[73]
No. Score Opponent Venue Date Ref
1 105 not out  England Eden Park, Auckland 25 February 1984 [55]
2 104  India Carisbrook, Dunedin 1 March 1990 [74]
3 100 not out  Australia Eden Park, Auckland 22 February 1992 [75]
4 107 not out  India Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur 15 November 1995 [56]

Later life

[edit]

Coaching

[edit]

After his retirement, Crowe helped develop a local variation of cricket, called "Cricket Max",[76] and became a television commentator and pundit. He was a board member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs Rugby League Football Club of which Russell Crowe is part owner. He was roped in as the CEO of the management team of Royal Challengers Bangalore, a team in the Indian Premier League. Midway through the season the owner Vijay Mallya expressed displeasure over the team and its performance in the league by sacking its bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad and mentor Charu Sharma blaming them for dismal team performance. Later in October of the same year, Crowe parted ways with the team and brought in Ray Jennings, the former coach of the South African National Cricket Team as the head coach of the team. Sources suggested that Mallya was unhappy with the team he had and held Crowe and his management team responsible for the debacle.[77] He has also mentored current New Zealand batsmen, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson. In 2014, he predicted and named Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith and Joe Root in the young Fab Four list for test cricket.[78]

Attempted comeback

[edit]

On 19 May 2011, Crowe commented on Twitter that he wanted to improve his fitness by setting a goal to play first-class cricket again. He cited that he was only 3 first-class matches away from 250 matches, and 392 runs short of 20,000 runs.[79]

Crowe took his first step to playing first-class cricket by playing at club level at the age of 49 (he was due to debut much earlier, but was delayed due to a groin injury). He played for the Cornwall reserve grade team, captaining them and batting at No.3 against Papatoetoe in a second-division club match in Auckland,[80] the same club where his father played grade cricket.[81]

Illness and death

[edit]

On 15 October 2012, it was revealed that Crowe had been diagnosed with lymphoma.[82] He blamed the illness on a failing immune system, which had been weakened by various illnesses picked up while touring India in the 1980s and 1990s.

On 5 June 2013, Crowe announced that he was free of cancer on Campbell Live, but he would cut his ties with cricket, as he was a self-proclaimed "recovering addict to cricket, much like an alcoholic".[83] Crowe says he wore a 'mask' from the age of 22, due to high expectations, but at the age of 51 was happy to 'look at the real me'.[84]

In 2014, Crowe announced that the lymphoma had returned and subsequently indicated that his chances of survival beyond 12 months were less than 5% and also of his wish to see the 2015 Cricket World Cup[85] in February and March 2015.[86] He also attended the 2015 Cricket World Cup Final between Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground which in fact was his last public appearance.[87]

Crowe died of complications from the disease in Auckland on 3 March 2016.[88] His funeral was held in Holy Trinity Cathedral in a Christian ceremony in Parnell, Auckland.[89]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1991, Crowe married Simone Curtice, an interior designer. They separated five years later, in 1996, and Crowe later entered into a relationship with Suzanne Taylor, with whom he had one daughter.[90][91][92] He and Taylor separated in 2005.[93] In 2009, Crowe married for a third time, to Lorraine Downes, a former Miss Universe. They remained married until his death.[94]

Playing style

[edit]

Batting

[edit]

A 2012 article by Mark Nicholas described him as "upright, orthodox and immensely strong" at the wicket, and praised the "speed and grace of the footwork" and "perfect head position". Nicholas thought the elegance of Crowe's batting was at odds with his physical size – he was "a big man in a small man's game".[95] Writing in his retirement, Crowe emphasised the importance of instinct in batting, and the need to avoid premeditating a shot.[96]

Captaincy and all-round skills

[edit]

During his early career, Crowe was also often used as a "bits and pieces bowler", with his "lively in-swingers" faring especially well in English conditions.[97] He was regarded as an "outstanding" fieldsman,[98] and against Zimbabwe in the 1987 World Cup dismissed David Houghton with an outstretched diving catch that was said to have won New Zealand the game.[99] As a captain, Crowe was known for his use of innovative techniques, most notably opening the bowling with a spinner, Dipak Patel, at the 1992 World Cup. He often had highly developed bowling and fielding plans, regularly rotating his bowlers and changing his fields to put pressure on opposing batsmen.[100] Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja described Crowe as "an imaginative leader who maximised his team's potential and resources by thoughtful captaincy and out-of-the-box tactics".[101] Crowe was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2015[102] and the NZC Hall of Fame in 2024 as one of the First XI.[103]

Legacy

[edit]

Upon his death, Crowe was eulogised in The Guardian as "not just one of New Zealand’s greatest ever cricketers, but one of the most elegant batsmen the world has yet seen".[104] In their tributes following his death, former Pakistan international Wasim Akram called him the best batsman he ever bowled to, former Australia fast bowler Craig McDermott compared him to Greg Chappell, calling him "a beautiful, elegant batsman and a terrific stroke player", while former India international Sanjay Manjrekar called him his favourite batsman and wrote that "Sachin & me actually copied him."[105]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Martin Crowe

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Martin Crowe (22 September 1962 – 3 March 2016) was a New Zealand cricketer renowned for his elegant right-handed batting, who represented his country in 77 Test matches and 143 One Day Internationals (ODIs) from 1982 to 1995, amassing over 10,000 international runs and establishing himself as one of the nation's finest players. He captained New Zealand in 16 Tests and led the team to the semi-finals of the 1992 Cricket World Cup, where his innovative tactics, including the use of pinch-hitters, influenced modern limited-overs strategies. Crowe's Test career yielded 5,444 runs at an average of 45.36, including 17 centuries— a New Zealand record at the time—with his highest score of 299 against Sri Lanka in 1991, while in ODIs he scored 4,704 runs at 38.55. Born in Henderson, , to a cricketing family—his father Dave played and his brother represented —Crowe debuted internationally at age 19 and quickly rose to prominence, earning Wisden Cricketer of the Year honours in 1985 for his prolific performances, including a double century for in English . His graceful strokeplay and tactical acumen, often in partnership with , helped elevate 's standing in world during the 1980s and early 1990s, where Crowe averaged 55 in the 16 Test matches won during his career. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Member of the (MBE) in 1991, named Sportsperson of the Year that same year, inducted into the in 2015, and enshrined in the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. After retiring from playing, Crowe transitioned into and writing, becoming a respected commentator for outlets like and authoring insightful pieces on the game until his health declined. Diagnosed with terminal double-hit in September 2014, he battled the aggressive cancer publicly, sharing his experiences to raise awareness, before passing away in at age 53. His legacy endures as a thinking whose technical mastery and intellectual approach to the sport inspired generations.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Martin David Crowe was born on 22 September 1962 in Henderson, a suburb of , New Zealand. He grew up in a family deeply immersed in sports, with his father, , having played for and , which provided an early environment rich in athletic influences. His mother, Audrey Crowe, supported the family's sporting pursuits, and Crowe had an older brother, , who also became a New Zealand Test cricketer, as well as a sister, Deb Crowe. Additionally, the Crowe family was connected to actor Russell Crowe, who is Martin's first cousin through their shared family lineage. Crowe's childhood in the Auckland suburbs exposed him to a blend of community sports and family-oriented activities that shaped his formative years, fostering a competitive spirit beyond just cricket. This familial backdrop, steeped in athletic heritage, ignited his passion for sports early on, influencing his dedication and discipline. For his education, Crowe attended Auckland Grammar School from 1976 to 1980, where he excelled in leadership roles, serving as deputy head boy in his final year, reflecting his strong academic and extracurricular engagement. The school's rigorous environment nurtured his broader interests, including intellectual pursuits that complemented his developing athletic talents.

Introduction to cricket

Martin Crowe was introduced to cricket at a very young age, joining the Cornwall Cricket Club in in 1968 when he was just six years old, following in the footsteps of his father, , a stalwart of the club who had played for and . This early immersion in , supported by his family's strong sporting heritage, laid the foundation for his development as a batsman. Dave Crowe's provincial experience and active involvement in local provided a guiding influence, emphasizing technique and discipline from the outset. Crowe's youth development progressed through school cricket at , where he studied from 1976 to 1980 and quickly established himself as a standout talent. He captained the First XI in 1979, showcasing elegant right-handed batting that drew attention from scouts and coaches. His performances in school matches highlighted his poise and shot-making ability, often dominating age-group fixtures and earning praise for his maturity beyond his years. By his early teens, Crowe's promise led to selections in representative youth teams, including the Auckland Under-23 side at the age of 14, a remarkable achievement that underscored his rapid ascent. These age-group successes, combined with his father's coaching insights on provincial-level play, honed his skills and opened pathways to higher-level opportunities, positioning him for entry into senior domestic . Representative examples from his youth games, such as consistent run-scoring in inter-school and regional tournaments, demonstrated the conceptual growth in his game that would define his career.

Cricket career

Domestic achievements

Crowe made his first-class debut for Auckland at the age of 17 during the 1979–80 season, scoring 51 runs in his maiden innings against at . He quickly established himself as a key batsman for the province, contributing to 's performances in New Zealand's premier domestic first-class competition. After playing for from 1979 to 1983, Crowe transferred to Central Districts for the 1983–84 season, where he became a cornerstone of the side through the . His standout domestic season came in 1986–87, when he amassed 1,348 runs at an average of 103.69, including multiple centuries, to lead Central Districts to the Shell Trophy title—their first since 1973–74. One of his most memorable innings during this period was an unbeaten 175 against , showcasing his elegant strokeplay and resilience on a challenging pitch. However, knee injuries stemming from a schoolboy rugby incident began to affect his consistency in the mid-, forcing occasional absences and adaptations in his batting approach. In 1990, following his final season with Central Districts—where he scored a career-high 242 against —Crowe moved to , playing there for five seasons until his retirement from in 1995. He provided vital leadership and run-scoring stability to the team, averaging over 50 in Shell Trophy matches and delivering consistent middle-order performances in the 1993–94 season, when finished second. Crowe's county cricket experience began in 1984 when he joined in , replacing during the ' tour. In his debut season, he finished second in the run aggregates with 1,564 runs at 58.67, including nine centuries, earning widespread praise for his classical technique. He returned to for full seasons through 1988, forming productive partnerships with players like and contributing to several victories in the and . Across his domestic first-class career for Auckland, Central Districts, Wellington, and Somerset, Crowe played 170 matches (excluding Tests), scoring approximately 14,164 runs at an average near 55, with 54 centuries—figures that underscored his dominance in provincial and county cricket despite persistent injury challenges.

International debut and early matches

Martin Crowe earned his place in New Zealand's international side following a string of impressive domestic performances for Auckland, where he demonstrated maturity beyond his 19 years as a middle-order batsman. Crowe made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Australia on 13 February 1982 at , , scoring 33 runs in a match New Zealand won by 46 runs. His Test debut followed later that month, on 26 February 1982, against the same opponents at the in , where he scored 10 in the first innings and 17 in the second during a low-scoring series that saw him total just 27 runs across three Tests. Despite the modest start, these early exposures highlighted his potential as a composed anchor, though he was temporarily dropped after averaging only 6.75 in the series. Recalled for the 1983 tour of England, Crowe adapted quickly to seaming conditions, scoring his maiden Test century of 106 at in the first Test, a drawn affair where his knock helped New Zealand reach 369 in their first . This , played with fluent drives and solid defense, marked his emergence as a reliable middle-order stalwart, contributing to a competitive series that New Zealand lost 1-0 but with notable resistance. The 1984/85 season saw Crowe solidify his role during New Zealand's tour of , where he played all three Tests, scoring steadily in challenging subcontinental conditions, including 12 and 43 in the first Test at and 57 in the third at . Back home, against in early 1984, he notched his second Test hundred (100) in the first match at , partnering with for 114 runs to propel to 537 all out, their highest total against at the time. This stand exemplified their effective middle-order alliance, blending Crowe's elegance with Coney's resilience. Between 1982 and 1985, Crowe featured in 20 Tests, amassing 1,214 runs at an average of 45.33, including two centuries and three half-centuries, establishing him as New Zealand's key middle-order anchor capable of building innings under pressure.

Captaincy and 1992 World Cup

Martin Crowe was appointed captain of the New Zealand cricket team in October 1990, succeeding John Wright, for the tour of Pakistan. He led the side in 16 Test matches, securing two victories, and 44 One Day Internationals (ODIs), with 21 wins, reflecting a notable improvement in the team's performance during his tenure compared to previous captains. As skipper, Crowe emphasized tactical innovations to maximize New Zealand's limited resources, including intensive fielding drills to enhance athleticism and the early adoption of reverse swing techniques among pacers, which helped counter stronger batting line-ups. His leadership style focused on strategic adaptability, particularly in white-ball cricket, where he shifted towards aggressive powerplay strategies and bowler rotations to disrupt opponents. The pinnacle of Crowe's captaincy came during the , co-hosted by and , where he guided the Black Caps to the semi-finals for the first time in their history. Under his command, New Zealand achieved key upsets, including a 37-run victory over in the opening at , where Crowe remained unbeaten on 100 to anchor a total of 248 for 6. They also progressed past in the group stage before facing them again in the semi-final at , posting 262 for 7—bolstered by Crowe's unbeaten 91—only to fall short by 4 wickets in a tense chase. Crowe topped the tournament's run charts with 456 runs across 9 innings at an average of 114.00, earning Player of the Tournament honors for his four fifties and a century, while his innovative tactics, such as opening the bowling with off-spinner Dipak Patel to exploit early swing and seam, unsettled top teams. Crowe's tenure was not without controversies, including disputes over team selections, notably when selector Don Neely attempted to oust him as captain prior to the due to concerns about his form and style. He also faced criticism for bold white-ball strategy shifts, such as promoting aggressive batting and unconventional bowling changes, which divided opinions within the squad and media. These pressures, compounded by persistent injuries including knee issues and hamstring strains, led to his resignation in early 1993 after the home series against , allowing him to focus on batting while Ken Rutherford assumed the captaincy. The decision stemmed from mounting stress and physical toll, marking the end of a transformative but challenging period.

Later international phase

Following his resignation as New Zealand captain in 1993, Crowe returned to the international side as a specialist batsman, aiming to focus on his batting without leadership responsibilities. His resurgence was evident during the 1994 tour of , where he excelled in the Test series, accumulating 380 runs across three matches at an average of 63.33, highlighted by consecutive centuries of 142 at and 115 at . This performance underscored his technical prowess and helped draw the series 0-0. Crowe's international career concluded during the 1995 tour of , where he played his final three s. The series, which lost 1-0, saw him struggle with form amid mounting physical challenges, scoring 24 in the first at Bengaluru, modest returns in the rain-affected second at , and 15 and 28 not out in the third at —his last appearance on 12 November 1995. Over his 77- career, Crowe amassed 5,444 runs at an average of 45.36, establishing himself as 's leading run-scorer at the time. In limited-overs cricket, Crowe had announced his from ODIs in 1993 following a lean period, but he was briefly recalled for the tour of , where he delivered a memorable 107 in the opening match to anchor a chase of 237. This proved to be his final international innings, bringing his ODI career totals to 143 matches and 4,704 runs at an average of 38.55. Persistent injuries, particularly chronic wear and tear in his right knee joint and recurring problems, increasingly limited Crowe's mobility and effectiveness during his later years, forcing him to retire fully from in 1996 on medical advice to prevent further deterioration. Despite these setbacks, he embraced a role with emerging talents, notably guiding young batsman during the 1995 India tour and beyond, sharing insights on technique and mental resilience.

Test and ODI centuries

Martin Crowe amassed 17 centuries during his career, a record for that stood until 2019, showcasing his consistency and class against top opposition. These knocks highlighted his elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor innings under pressure, with several proving decisive in New Zealand's rare successes. His highest score of 299 came against at the in in February 1991, where he shared a 467-run partnership with Andrew Jones—the then-fourth highest in history—helping New Zealand to an innings victory by 121 runs. Earlier, his maiden hundred of 100 against at in July 1983, on his eighth appearance, rescued New Zealand from a precarious position in a drawn match, signaling his emergence as a world-class batsman. Another standout was his 188 against at the in in November 1985, which nearly steered New Zealand to victory before rain intervened, resulting in a draw. In ODIs, Crowe scored four centuries across 143 matches, each unbeaten and instrumental in chases or setting competitive totals. His first arrived with 105* against at in in February 1984, guiding New Zealand to a four-wicket victory in a thrilling finish during the third match of the series. The second was a composed 100* versus in the 1992 opener, also at , where his knock of 100 off 134 balls, including 11 fours, propelled New Zealand to 248/6 and a famous 37-run upset win over the defending champions. His third was 102* against at the Stadium in Hyderabad during the 1988 on 14 October 1988. His final international hundred, 107* against at in in November 1995, came off 129 balls with nine fours and two sixes, laying the foundation for New Zealand's emphatic 10-wicket triumph as India were bowled out for 189. Crowe's centuries frequently occurred in winning or drawn causes, underscoring his impact on match outcomes; of his 17 Test tons, 10 came in victories or stalemates that favored , while all four ODI hundreds resulted in wins. His average in century-making exceeded 150, reflecting the substantial nature of his big scores.
FormatOpponentYearGroundScoreResult
1983, 100Drawn
1985, Brisbane188Drawn
1991, 299Won ( & 121 runs)
ODI1984, 105*Won (4 wickets)
ODI1992, 100*Won (37 runs)
ODIIndia1995, 107*Won (10 wickets)

Post-retirement activities

Coaching roles

After retiring from playing, Crowe ventured into coaching and advisory roles, leveraging his expertise as New Zealand's premier batsman to guide emerging talent. In 2010, he worked hands-on with the Black Caps as an informal batting coach, spending time in the nets with , , and Tim McIntosh to sharpen their shot selection and footwork under match-like pressure. He later became a key mentor to and , providing personalized advice on mental fortitude and technical adjustments during international tours, with Guptill crediting Crowe's straightforward counsel for boosting his confidence ahead of major series. Crowe's most formal coaching stint came in the Indian Premier League, where he served as Chief Cricket Officer for Royal Challengers Bangalore during the 2008 inaugural season. In this strategic role, he oversaw team composition, auction preparations, and training regimens, advocating for a data-driven, scientific to build a competitive unit around imported stars like . Despite the team's struggles, finishing second-last, Crowe's input helped establish foundational processes for the franchise before he departed at season's end, with appointed as head coach. His coaching philosophy emphasized mental preparation as the cornerstone of performance, urging batsmen to cultivate presence in the moment and instinctive responses rather than over-rehearsed mechanics. Crowe stressed creating uncomfortable, scenario-based practice to simulate game intensity, decrying "throwdowns" as overly simplistic and detrimental to real-world adaptability. Drawing from his playing career, he often highlighted how enabled him to counter elite pace attacks, a principle he instilled in protégés to foster long-term consistency. Crowe was outspoken about systemic issues in New Zealand cricket, frequently criticizing selection processes for favoring politics over merit and undermining player development. In 2005, his application to join the national selection panel was rejected amid a reported personality clash with head coach , prompting him to publicly question the board's priorities. He later lambasted the national academy's coaching methods as outdated and blamed revolving-door policies for stunting the sport's growth post his playing era. These critiques, while polarizing, underscored his commitment to elevating standards through merit-based systems.

Commentary and media work

After retiring from playing, Martin Crowe transitioned into broadcasting, beginning his commentary career in 1997 when he joined Sky Television as a pundit and analyst. He developed a long-term association with Sky Sport New Zealand, where he not only provided expert commentary but also served as executive producer for the network's cricket coverage, innovating formats to enhance viewer engagement. His tactical insights, drawn from his experience as New Zealand captain, added depth to his on-air analysis of matches. Crowe covered numerous major international events, including from 1999 to 2015 and series, earning praise for his perceptive breakdowns of strategy and player performance. He also contributed regularly to , writing columns that examined contemporary issues, batting techniques, and the progress of the team, often blending statistical insight with philosophical reflections. Additionally, he penned pieces for Wisden Cricket Monthly, where his thoughtful perspectives on the game's evolution were featured prominently. In his written work, Crowe authored books such as Raw (2013), a candid exploration of his post-playing life and cricket's mental demands, and For the Love of the Game (2014), which included proposals for innovative formats like Max60 to revitalize the sport. Through his media platforms, he frequently critiqued New Zealand Cricket's administration, labeling it as soul-destroying and detrimental to player development, while advocating for improved welfare measures to support athletes' mental and physical health. His analytical prowess in commentary and writing was acknowledged during his 2015 induction into the ICC Hall of Fame, where he was celebrated as a deep thinker of the game.

Attempted playing comeback

In 2011, at the age of 48 (turning 49), Martin Crowe sought to revive his playing career after a 15-year retirement prompted by chronic injuries. His primary motivation was a personal fitness challenge and to reach the milestone of 20,000 runs, needing 392 more. Crowe began preparations by focusing on overcoming longstanding knee and foot issues. He started with for in the league, but in a match against Parnell on 19 November 2011, he retired hurt after three balls due to a thigh strain. This injury ended his comeback attempt, and he did not proceed to .

Illness and death

In October 2012, Crowe was diagnosed with follicular , a cancer affecting the nodes in his , armpits, and . He underwent intensive treatment and achieved remission by mid-2013, with scans showing the tumors had significantly reduced. The cancer returned in September 2014 as a more aggressive variant known as double-hit , which Crowe described as terminal. Opting against further conventional , he pursued natural remedies to manage symptoms and regain energy, while publicly sharing his experiences through media interviews and articles. In these accounts, Crowe emphasized maintaining a positive , focusing on living hour by hour and drawing inspiration from his love of . Crowe passed away peacefully on March 3, 2016, at the age of 53 in , , surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospice after a prolonged battle with the disease. His funeral service, held on March 11 at Holy Trinity Cathedral in , was attended by around 1,000 mourners, including cricket luminaries such as and former teammates.

Personal life and legacy

Family and relationships

Martin Crowe was first married to interior designer Simone Curtice in 1991. The couple in 1996 after five years of marriage. Following his , Crowe entered a relationship with Suzanne Taylor (also known as Huhaana Taylor), with whom he had a daughter, Emma Louise Crowe, born on April 15, 2003. The relationship ended in 2005. In 2009, Crowe married former Lorraine Downes on in . The couple remained together until Crowe's death in 2016, during which time they experienced the loss of a through . Downes brought two children from her previous marriage to rugby player —son Hilton and daughter Jasmine—whom Crowe helped raise as stepchildren. Crowe maintained close ties with his extended family, including his cousin, actor , who provided emotional support throughout his life and attended his in 2016. His family, including mother and siblings Jeff and Debbie, offered steadfast backing during his extensive travels abroad. Outside of family, Crowe pursued personal interests such as , which he played avidly alongside his passion for .

Playing style and influence

Martin Crowe was an elegant right-hand batsman whose style emphasized precision, balance, and classical technique, earning him acclaim as one of New Zealand's finest stroke-makers. He possessed a full repertoire of shots, executed with impeccable timing and footwork, allowing him to play late and dominate the ball effectively. His signature , characterized by perfect alignment of head, hands, and feet, was a highlight of his batting, often described as a thing of beauty for its blend of power and grace. Crowe's approach was not reliant on brute force but on touch and placement, enabling him to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining an upright stance that facilitated fluid movement. A key strength of Crowe's game was his proficiency against , where his precise footwork and ability to get to the pitch of the ball allowed him to dominate spinners with drives and sweeps. He exhibited remarkable concentration and mental resilience, often building methodically before accelerating, which showcased his adaptability across formats. In his early career, Crowe occasionally displayed nervousness against express pace, leading to tentative starts, but he overcame this through experience and technical refinement, evolving into a batsman with few exploitable weaknesses. Crowe modeled his technique on Australian great , sharing similarities in their upright posture, shot selection, and ability to dictate terms to bowlers, which led to frequent comparisons between the two. Crowe's influence extended beyond his playing days, as he became a pivotal figure in shaping cricket's aggressive ethos. He mentored emerging talents like , encouraging a bolder, more attacking mindset that transformed the Black Caps from cautious underdogs to formidable competitors. Through commentary and writing, Crowe advocated for innovative tactics and fearless play, influencing the team's evolution toward the dynamic style seen in later World Cups. His legacy as the "thinking man's cricketer" lies in inspiring a generation to prioritize intelligence and flair over mere survival.

Awards and tributes

Crowe was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1985 for his elegant batting displays, including a standout season with where he scored over 1,000 runs at an average exceeding 50. In recognition of his leadership and performance in captaining to the semi-finals of the , he received the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year award in 1991, along with an MBE for services to cricket. Crowe was inducted into the in February 2015 during the innings break of a match at , , honoring his contributions as one of 's finest batsmen and innovative captains. Following his death in 2016, Crowe was celebrated through various tributes that underscored his enduring impact on . A memorial service at Holy Trinity Cathedral in drew around 1,000 mourners, including family, teammates, and actor cousin , who served as a ; the event featured performances by students, where Crowe had excelled as a youth. In 2016, broadcaster SKY TV aired "An Extraordinary Innings: Tribute to Martin Crowe," a documentary reflecting on his career highs, personal struggles, and legacy as New Zealand's greatest Test batsman. Books honoring his life include Richard Boock's 2016 Martin Crowe: Tortured Genius, which explores his technical mastery, captaincy innovations, and battles with injury and illness. More recent posthumous recognitions include Crowe's 2021 induction into the Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his grace, skill, and over 5,400 runs at an average of 45.36. In November 2024, and the ECB announced the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, a perpetual for series between the two nations, named in honor of Crowe and England's to celebrate their batting excellence and influence on the game. The inaugural series, held in from November to December 2024, was won by 2–1.

References

  1. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/martin-crowe-36622
  2. https://www.icc-cricket.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-famers/hall-of-famer-martin-crowe
  3. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/career-timeline-the-many-colours-of-martin-crowe-978069
  4. https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/new-zealand-cricket-legend-martin-crowe-passes-away-after-lengthy-battle-with-cancer
  5. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/32420388
  6. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/03/martin-crowe-obituary
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/04/martin-crowes-insatiable-curiosity-made-him-the-thinking-mans-cricketer
  8. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/andy-zaltzman-martin-crowe-s-80s-domination-and-timeless-test-records-977995
  9. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/03/new-zealand-cricket-legend-martin-crowe-dies-aged-53
  10. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/martin-crowe-dies-aged-53-977963
  11. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/32680286
  12. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wisden-obituary-martin-david-crowe-1091830
  13. https://notices.nzherald.co.nz/nz/obituaries/nzherald-nz/name/martin-crowe-obituary?id=44937315
  14. https://apnews.com/celebrity-international-news-general-news-70b27a7990884ba7adf543acbe142e57
  15. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/12182048/Martin-Crowe-cricketer-obituary.html
  16. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/auckland-grammar-honour-martin-crowe/HES6KCWPGTNQ56HT6TSJTWPXCM/
  17. https://morungexpress.com/obituary-martin-crowe-new-zealands-finest-batsman
  18. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/herald-sport-vault-how-a-young-martin-crowe-caught-the-heralds-eye/2DINDHIXXDUH3H6P62GT4C4EYQ/
  19. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/inside-martin-crowes-beautiful-mind/UHBR7XVEVCUYHK5UOYYVZU7W7Q/
  20. https://substack.com/home/post/p-78877748
  21. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/shell-era-has-seen-a-significant-advance-in-new-zealand-cricket-103207
  22. https://i.imgci.com/db/ARCHIVE/1980S/1986-87/NZ_LOCAL/SHLTR/CD_AUCK_SHLTR_18-20JAN1987.html
  23. https://www.downunderpunter.com/martin-crowe
  24. https://www.wisden.com/wisden-cricketers-almanack/the-summer-a-young-martin-crowe-made-an-indelible-impact-at-somerset-almanack
  25. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/martin-crowes-statistics/r7t962epn
  26. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-new-zealand-1981-82-61403/new-zealand-vs-australia-1st-odi-64183/full-scorecard
  27. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-new-zealand-1981-82-61403/new-zealand-vs-australia-1st-test-63308/full-scorecard
  28. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-england-1983-62081/england-vs-new-zealand-1st-test-63343/full-scorecard
  29. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-new-zealanders-in-england-1983-155266
  30. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-new-zealand-1983-84-61766/new-zealand-vs-england-1st-test-63361/full-scorecard
  31. https://www.cricketweb.net/martin-crowe-an-elegy/
  32. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/martin-crowe-36622/test-batting-bowling-stats
  33. https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/all-you-need-to-know-about-martin-crowe/
  34. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-3474004/New-Zealand-s-greatest-test-batsman-Martin-Crowe-dies-aged-53-long-cancer-battle.html
  35. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dileep-premachandran-on-the-impact-of-the-rule-changes-in-one-dayers-534997
  36. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/feb/07/1992-cricket-world-cup-south-africa-new-zealand
  37. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/benson-hedges-world-cup-1991-92-60924/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results
  38. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/benson-hedges-world-cup-1991-92-60924/new-zealand-vs-pakistan-1st-semi-final-65154/full-scorecard
  39. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/benson-hedges-world-cup-1991-92-60924/stats
  40. https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/350306942/when-new-zealand-cricket-selector-don-neely-tried-remove-martin-crowe-captain-1992
  41. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/crowe-s-fatal-1992-world-cup-semi-final-gamble-820725
  42. https://www.wisden.com/wisden-cricketers-almanack/martin-crowe-a-purists-favourite-who-challenged-orthodoxy-almanack
  43. https://kids.kiddle.co/Martin_Crowe
  44. https://i.imgci.com/db/ARCHIVE/1994/NZ_IN_ENG/NZ_ENG_APR-JUL1994_TEST_AVS.html
  45. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-india-1995-96-62137/india-vs-new-zealand-1st-test-63694/full-scorecard
  46. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-india-1995-96-62137/india-vs-new-zealand-3rd-test-63696/full-scorecard
  47. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-india-1995-96-62137/india-vs-new-zealand-1st-odi-64502/full-scorecard
  48. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/martin-crowe-retires-16-january-1996-72375
  49. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/3300799/Martin-Crowe-in-to-bat-for-new-look-regime
  50. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ross-taylor-goes-past-mentor-martin-crowe-s-century-tally-1177599
  51. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/new-zealand-tour-of-australia-1985-86-62087/australia-vs-new-zealand-1st-test-63415/full-scorecard
  52. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/england-tour-of-new-zealand-1983-84-61766/new-zealand-vs-england-3rd-odi-64224/full-scorecard
  53. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/benson-hedges-world-cup-1991-92-60924/new-zealand-vs-australia-1st-match-65118/full-scorecard
  54. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-asia-cup-1988-89-61385/india-vs-new-zealand-5th-match-64356/full-scorecard
  55. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/3460938/Martin-Crowe-gets-down-and-dirty-for-Black-Caps
  56. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/77530660/ross-taylor-martin-guptill-pay-moving-tributes-to-their-mentor-martin-crowe
  57. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/you-need-to-treat-this-as-a-scientific-project-342120
  58. https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/martin-crowe-leaves-royal-challengers-1602789
  59. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/martin-crowe-leaves-royal-challengers/articleshow/3634461.cms
  60. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/martin-crowe-to-bat-right-get-your-mind-right-728587
  61. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/the-nightwatchman/2016/mar/14/martin-crowe-temperament-batsman-cricket
  62. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/throwdowns-dumb-down-preparation-martin-crowe-741627
  63. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/batting-has-to-be-instinctive-350840
  64. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/crowe-application-rejected-209693
  65. https://www.cricketweb.net/martin-crowe-rejected/
  66. https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/new-zealand-cricket-has-been-hurt-by-bad-coaching-and-revolving-door-policies-23791/
  67. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ripper-new-zealand-on-right-track-crowe-381014
  68. https://www.cricket.com.au/videos/2935657/martin-crowe-on-emotional-cup-final
  69. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-pick-of-martin-crowe-s-columns-on-espncricinfo-977971
  70. https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1082285/remembering-marty
  71. https://www.amazon.com/Love-Game-Martin-Crowe-ebook/dp/B00LGX4LG4
  72. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/crowe-nz-cricket-soul-destroying/BNMYDDOX3UD5C7XISKKZ3NIQLU/
  73. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/new-zealand-news-martin-crowe-announces-surprise-comeback-at-48-515784
  74. https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/the-martin-crowe-comeback-at-49-that-ended-in-three-balls
  75. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/new-zealand-domestic-news-thigh-injury-ends-martin-crowe-s-comeback-541419
  76. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/martin-crowe-suffers-cancer-relapse-781579
  77. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/[cricket](/page/Cricket)/77519676/qa-the-lymphoma-that-killed-new-zealand-cricket-great-martin-crowe
  78. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/77519676/qa-the-lymphoma-that-killed-new-zealand-cricket-great-martin-crowe
  79. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/cricket-crowe-speaks-openly-about-his-cancer/U2PHSAW74Q4QS4MNTPEIAN46TY/
  80. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/crowe-keeps-positive-despite-cancer-return/0skl3a8b2
  81. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/11/cricket-great-martin-crowe-farewelled-in-auckland-memorial-service
  82. https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/martins-legendary-innings-20564/
  83. https://www.thetimes.com/sport/cricket/article/martin-crowe-3hx7rsv7t
  84. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/1401077/Three-leading-ladies-say-I-do
  85. https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/103179089/lorraine-downes-on-losing-a-baby-with-husband-martin-crowe
  86. https://www.cricket.com.au/news/3241374
  87. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/03/one-of-our-true-greats-new-zealand-mourns-death-of-martin-crowe
  88. https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/350840/-batting-has-to-be-instinctive
  89. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/martin-crowe-best-and-fairest-20160303-gn9eqy.html
  90. https://blog.sixescricket.com/martin-crowe/
  91. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/martin-crowe-test-cricket-s-young-fab-four-774705
  92. https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/archive/martin-crowe-1962-2016/
  93. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/77565341/martin-crowe-emboldened-the-black-caps-says-former-skipper-brendon-mccullum
  94. https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm-acknowledges-passing-martin-crowe
  95. https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/martin-crowe-inducted-into-the-icc-cricket-hall-of-fame-x4858
  96. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmijk1qCDic
  97. https://www.babooks.co.nz/product/36733-martin-crowe-tortured-genius
  98. https://www.nzhalloffame.co.nz/New-Zealand-Sports-Hall-of-Fame-Inductees/C/Martin-Crowe
  99. https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/4176272/crowethorpe-trophy-to-recognise-batting-giants
  100. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/crowe-thorpe-trophy-2024-25-1428551
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.