Sir Richard Hadlee to undergo surgery for secondary cancer

“This week, Richard will undergo further surgery after secondary cancer was discovered in his liver,” said a NZC statement on hehalf of the family on Monday, 16 July. “Medical advice is that it's still at a very early stage and is operable. Once he has recovered from the operation, Richard will undergo further chemotherapy treatment.”

The 67-year-old Hadlee, New Zealand’s greatest fast bowler who once held the record for most Test wickets – 431 – was earlier diagnosed with bowel cancer, with updates at the time saying that he was expected to make a full recovery following surgery.

“As with the first statement released on this matter, we disclose these details solely in the interests of transparency, and to avoid speculation and gossip,” said the family. “We would again ask that people respect our request for privacy.”

One of the greatest all-rounders of the game, Hadlee also scored 3124 runs in 86 Tests to go with his rich haul of wickets, and scored 1751 runs and picked up 158 wickets in 115 one-day internationals before retiring in 1990.