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SYDNEY - Grieving former Australia cricketer Glenn McGrath paid tribute to the courage of his wife following her death on Sunday.
English-born Jane lost her long battle with cancer at the age of 42.
"I am devastated by the loss of my beautiful wife Jane," Glenn McGrath said in a statement on Monday. "She was my best friend.
"This is also a very tough time for our children James and Holly. I am grateful they were able to spend the time they had with their mother.
"They were her world. I would like to think Jane will be remembered as an extraordinary person whose courage and determination humbled me and inspired so many people.
"I never took for granted the time I had with Jane and if there is one thing that can be drawn from her life, it is that every day is a blessing."
The Australian cricket team will honour Jane McGrath's memory during Tuesday's one-day international against West Indies in St Vincent.
The players will wear pink ribbons and batsmen will use pink grips on their bats.
The colour pink represents the McGrath Foundation, an organisation set up by Glenn and Jane to raise money for the fight against breast cancer.
"Jane was a wonderful person who fought and maintained grace and dignity during her long-term illness," Australia captain Ricky Ponting said in a statement.
"She was an exceptionally friendly and lovely person who displayed great courage and stoicism during her illness.
"She was a tremendous mother to James and Holly and shared a very special and deep relationship with Glenn in the time they had together."
Australian newspapers reacted with sorrow on Monday, all major metropolitan dailies dedicating their front pages to the news.
Most also had extended coverage in the news and sports sections.
- REUTERS
