Legendary former New Zealand coach Sir Richard Hadlee has been diagnosed with cancer but has reportedly recovered from it following an operation. Hadlee became aware of the situation after being found out for bowel cancer following a colonoscopy.

“Last month, Richard had a routine, 3-year colonoscopy, and we discovered that he has bowel cancer,” the statement said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “He has since had an operation to remove the tumour. This operation went extremely well and he has made an excellent recovery from surgery.”

The statement also added that chemotherapy will be the next set of treatment and that it will begin soon and will last for a few months, after which he will be fully recovered.

“As a safeguard, further treatment in the form of chemotherapy will commence shortly and last for a few months. It is expected that, in time, he will have a full recovery.”

Hadlee was one of the greatest all-rounders that the world has ever seen in cricket. Representing New Zealand in 86 Tests, he scored 3124 runs at an average of 27.16 while also scoring two centuries and 15 half-centuries in the process.

His bowling was even better as he took 431 wickets at an average of 22.29 and is still New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the game.

Meanwhile, he was also a force of nature in ODIs as he took 158 wickets in 115 matches at an average of 21.56 and also scored 1751 runs with an average of 21.61.