Dhaka: It's tough to make a condolence call and, then, take the reaction of an elder brother on the passing away of his younger sibling.

This Reporter had to do that at the Le Meridien on Thursday morning.

That Jeff Crowe, match referee in the ongoing Asia Cup, was reasonably composed made one's task less difficult.

The Florida-based Jeff, four years Martin's senior, shared his thoughts with The Telegraph.

Excerpts...

"It's deeply saddening, but it was inevitable. Martin's suffering, at least, has ended...

"There was a time when Martin felt he wouldn't survive 2014, but he did...

"The family is blessed that Martin was with us for longer than 2014...

"We lost our father, David, in 2000, but mother Audrey had to face this day...

"Destiny, perhaps...

"I met Martin for the last time a month ago, when I flew to Auckland after the India-Australia series...

"Martin was struggling...

"It has just been a matter of hours since Martin's death and what comes to mind instantly is our playing cricket together in the backyard...

"I could bat for a while, but Martin had it in him to bat for a week. He was that talented...

"The funeral would be towards the end of next week, so I'll go to New Zealand after Sunday's final."

Like Martin, Jeff captained New Zealand.