Hollywood actor Russell Crowe is preparing for divorce - and he has plans to auction cricketing memorabilia belonging to deceased cousin Martin Crowe before his estate is divided up.
But one Kiwi fan is determined to bring some of that collection back to New Zealand for the national cricket museum, located at Wellington's Basin Reserve.
Martin Crowe died from cancer two years ago and is recognised as arguably our greatest batsman, having scored more than 5000 runs at an average of 45.36 over his 77-Test career.
- Russell Crowe responds to backlash over joke about sodomising co-star
- I thought Russell Crowe 'as Australian as they come' - Lorde
- Ed Sheeran, Eminem collaboration recorded at Russell Crowe's house
Wellington-born Gladiator star Russell Crowe will auction off a collection of 227 items, including movie memorabilia - but also 30 items from Martin's cricketing career. One of the most coveted pieces is the bat he scored his final century with, against England at Old Trafford in 1994.
Cricket enthusiast Adam Gilshnan has launched a Givealittle page with the intention of bidding on items and donating them to the NZ Cricket Museum.
"I'm a New Zealander in my mid-40s, for me Martin Crowe was cricket," he said.
"When I heard about the auction, I saw a great opportunity to do something to bring these items home."
Museum director Jamie Bell told NZME: "We have always relied on the community's goodwill to increase the collection we hold on their behalf, and we are always willing to work with that community to ensure these treasures are properly cared for and celebrated."
Russell Crowe has entitled his collection, thought to be worth $3.8 million, the 'Art of Divorce'.
The auction will take place on April 7 - his 54th birthday and wedding anniversary.
Newshub.
