Former New Zealand cricket captainMartin Crowe has been diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the immunesystem.
Louise Henderson, a close family friend and manager to Croweand his wife, former Miss Universe Lorraine Downes, said the family has anumber of issues to confront over the next couple of weeks.
"The diagnosis is very new, the family is still inshock and obviously dealing with the understanding that life as they know itfor the unforeseeable future is different," Henderson was quoted as sayingby the New Zealand Herald.
The 50-year-old played 77 Tests, including 16 as captain,and 143 one-day internationals for New Zealand between 1982 and 1995.
Crowe was named as one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in1985, and his 299 against Sri Lanka in 1991 remains the highest Test score by aNew Zealand player.