Jane McGrath, the English-born wife of former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, has died after a 10-year battle with breast cancer.
"It is with deep sadness that the family and friends of Jane McGrath, beloved wife of former Australian cricketer Glenn and loving mother of James and Holly, must announce she passed away at her home this morning," a Cricket Australia statement said.
"With Glenn and their two children by her side, Jane's wonderful life ended peacefully after a sudden decline in her health over the past week."
Jane McGrath, 42, had surgery earlier this year and was recovering before complications set in, the statement said. She began treatment in February 2006 for a third bout of breast cancer which included secondary cancer in her hip in 2003.
"Jane McGrath has left a lasting legacy through the McGrath Foundation, an organisation that is providing thousands of women hope - and support - in their fight against breast cancer," the statement added.
Glenn McGrath, the most successful fast bowler in cricket history, played his last test match in early January of 2006, the fifth and last test of the Ashes series that Australia swept 5-0. He took 542 wickets in 119 test matches.
The retired cricketer said in a statement today that he was devastated by his wife's death, and called her his "best friend."
"I would like to think Jane will be remembered as an extraordinary person whose courage and determination humbled me and inspired so many people," McGrath said.
"Jane would want those women who are battling breast cancer to stay strong. She would want them to draw strength from the fact she didn't only 'survive' breast cancer for 11 years, but during that time she lived life to the fullest and found pleasure in the simple things so many people take for granted."
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Jane McGrath put up a brave fight against the numerous bouts of cancer she endured.
"Jane was well-known, loved and admired throughout Australian cricket and was one of the most respected and admired members of the Australian cricket team family group during Glenn McGrath's playing days," Sutherland said.
"All of us who met her were charmed by her dignity and good humor as she tackled her battle with her illness for more than 10 years. It was typical of her to set aside her own concerns and to offer so much energy and hope to others touched by breast cancer."
Australia cricket captain Ricky Ponting, with the team in the West Indies, said Jane McGrath "maintained grace and dignity during her long-term illness."
"She was an exceptionally friendly and lovely person who displayed great courage and stoicism during her illness," Ponting said. "Jane will be very fondly remembered by all of us."
All Australian players will wear a pink ribbon in honor of the McGrath Foundation and use bats with pink grips in Tuesday's opening limited-overs match against the West Indies.
"This gesture by the players is one they were all very keen to do," said team manager Steve Bernard.
