Jane McGrath, wife of former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, has died after a long battle with breast cancer, Cricket Australia announced.
"It is with deep sadness that the family and friends of Jane McGrath, beloved wife of former Australian cricketer Glenn and loving mother of James and Holly, must announce she passed away at her home (Sunday) morning," a Cricket Australia statement said.
"With Glenn and their two children by her side, Jane's wonderful life ended peacefully after a sudden decline in her health over the past week."
McGrath, 42, had surgery earlier this year and was recovering before complications set in, the statement added.
"Jane McGrath has left a lasting legacy through the McGrath Foundation, an organisation that is providing thousands of women hope - and support - in their fight against breast cancer," the statement said.
"The McGrath Family have requested their privacy be respected at this very difficult time."
The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) says Jane McGrath was a brave face of breast cancer who had the odds stacked against her.
NBOCC Director Dr Helen Zorbas said through her work with the McGrath Foundation, Ms McGrath had left behind a legacy of support for specialist breast cancer nurses to be provided across the country.
"The McGrath Foundation has received funding from the Australian government in the last budget of $12 million over four years to provide thirty specialist nurses to increase the information and support that's provided to women with breast cancer and their families, so that's a wonderful legacy," Dr Zorbas told AAP.
"I think that she has been such a brave face of breast cancer.
"While she fought very long and hard and very bravely, we've yet to develop the treatments that will effectively beat the disease once its spread to other parts of the body."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd paid tribute to Jane McGrath, describing her as an inspirational figure whose legacy would long benefit others.
"I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Jane McGrath," Mr Rudd said in a statement.
"Jane's courageous struggle touched all Australians.
"Jane was an inspiration whose legacy will continue to benefit so many others."
Mr Rudd said his thoughts and the nation were with her family.
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