New Zealand legend Martin Crowe rejects chemotherapy to treat cancer return

New Zealand cricket legend Martin Crowe's friends have lined up to offer him support, as the former skipper has reportedly rejected chemotherapy, to treat the return of his cancer.

In September, Crowe had revealed that he had a relapse of lymphoma. Crowe first learned that he was suffering from lymphoma in late 2012, but looked to have held it at bay, after a rigorous course of chemotherapy.

After suffering back pains, he visited his doctor recently, and tests revealed that the cancer had returned. Crowe told friends and family he had rejected further chemotherapy, after revealing in September that he was to have further treatment, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Crowe's friend, Mark Greatbatch, is said to be heading home from the United States to be with him. Crowe is married to former Miss Universe Lorraine Downes, and has a 11-year old daughter, Emma, to a former partner.

He said that one never beats lymphoma, but added that he was hopeful of being 'clear' for a few years. Crowe added that he would now have to have further treatment.

Crowe had stated on Twitter that the adage of 'one cant beat lymphoma', is not quite true, and added that despite follicular lymphoma being incurable, it can be treated and tamed for many years.

The New Zealander, widely regarded as the best batsman to have represented the country, played 77 test matches and 143 ODIs, between 1982 and 1995, the report added.