Martin Crowe: Ex-New Zealand captain says cancer has returned

Crowe played for Somerset between 1984 and 1988

Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe has revealed his cancer has returned.

Crowe, 51, was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, in October 2012 and initially overcame the disease last year.

But on Wednesday he wrote on Twitter: "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."

Crowe played 77 Tests - 16 as captain - between 1982 and 1995.

He is the second highest run scorer in New Zealand history, with 5,444 runs at an average of 45.36.

He scored 17 centuries - a New Zealand record - before retiring at the age of 33 with a knee injury.