New Zealand legend Martin Crowe suffers cancer relapse

New Zealand cricket legend Martin Crowe has revealed that he has suffered a relapse of his cancer.

The 51-year-old was first diagnosed with a form of lymphoma in 2012, but announced last year that he had overcome the disease following chemotherapy treatment.

However, Crowe recently visited his doctor for back pain and was told that the cancer had returned.

He tweeted on Wednesday: "After a brilliant year of self discovery and recovery I have more work to do. My friend & tough taskmaster Lymphoma is back to teach me.

"You never beat lymphoma," he added. "But I was hopeful that after the first episode I might be clear for a few years; I felt very well. I will now have to have further treatment."

Former Kiwi captain Crowe scored 5,444 runs at an average of 45.36 during a 77-Test career.