Tributes poured in for former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe after his death on Thursday.

Aged 53, Crowe – widely regarded as one of the nation's greatest ever batsmen –died after a battle with cancer.

He was described as a sporting great as the tributes flowed.

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Martin Crowe this morning. An inspiration to me and so many others. One of our true greats. RIP Hogan." – former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming

"Our thoughts are with the family of Martin Crowe. RIP a true NZ sporting great." – All Blacks

"RIP Martin Crowe. A very sad day. Thoughts are with friends and family." – New Zealand international Grant Elliott

"RIP Martin Crowe, thoughts with family and friends." – New Zealand international Luke Ronchi

"Heartfelt sympathies to family and friends of Martin Crowe. A sporting great forever treasured." – New Zealand Warriors

"Deeply saddened to hear that Martin Crowe has passed away, master batsman & one of the great thinkers in our game." – former Australia international Tom Moody

"So sad to hear the passing of Martin Crowe. One of the games greats on and off the field. My thoughts with family and friends." – former Australia batsman Damien Martyn