Black Caps v England: Martin Crowe honoured with portrait unveiled at Lord’s

Martin Crowe’s portrait has been officially unveiled in the Lord’s Long Room before New Zealand’s first test against England.

A faithful likeness has been revealed, amid the clink of champagne glasses on a gloomy London afternoon.

The late batting great is nestled between Sir Don Bradman and Sir Viv Richards with Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara, Michael Holding and Imran Khan looking on to his right.

Crowe’s image, brushed in detailed mastery by British artist Jason Brooks, occupies prime real estate in the pavilion.

The past Black Caps captain will watch over members of his former side as they stride out to bat and scrutinise them as they trudge back to the visitors’ dressing room upon dismissal.

The painting provides a tribute to one of the sport’s most innovative thinkers.

The New Zealand team attended the launch before moving to the Marylebone Cricket Club committee room for their capping ceremony.

They earlier trained in fickle, rain-affected conditions, with the spin allrounder still providing the biggest selection question mark.

The duel involves Glenn Phillips, who has come in from the Indian Premier League, and Mitchell Santner, who returns from a shoulder injury.

No white smoke emerged from practice with both bowling in the same net and scheduled to bat at the same time when more showers struck.

Wet weather is currently forecast at some point on four of the five days.