Martin Crowe Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Cricket’s “most stylish batsman” Martin Crowe, 52, has been inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame on Saturday, the terminally ill former national player describing it as a “great honour” and prompting a standing ovation from 40,000 fans at Eden Park.

Auckland-born Crowe became the third New Zealander behind Richard Hadlee and Debbie Hockley, and 79th in the world, to receive the honour.

“I am pleased to get this prestigious award, especially joining my friend Richard Hadlee,” said Crowe, after being awarded his commemorative cap from ICC director and chairman of Cricket Australia, Wally Edwards.

Crowe made his international debut against Australia in Wellington in February 1982 at the age of 19. He retired 13 years later after playing 77 Tests, having scored 5444 runs at an average of 45.36.

This included 17 centuries, the most by a New Zealand cricketer, while his 299 against Sri Lanka in Wellington in January 1991 stood as a national record until Brendon McCullum scored 302 against India in Wellington in 2014.

Crowe also played 143 one-day internationals in which he scored 4704 runs at an average of 38.55 with four centuries and 34 half-centuries.

He 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.

He also captained New Zealand in 16 Tests and 44 ODIs.

Original article by AFP, Hindustan Times, February 28, 2015.