JANE McGrath, wife of former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, has died after a long battle with breast cancer, Cricket Australia announced today.

"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 this 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.''

Mrs 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.''

Mrs McGrath was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. She fought a secondary cancer in her hip and in 2006 was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Her husband stood down from international cricket for eight months to help her recover from radiotherapy.

Along with her husband Mrs McGrath founded the McGrath Fondation after first battling breast cancer.

The foundation provides breast cancer education and breast cancer nurses for women suffering from the disease.

On the McGrath Foundation's website, Mrs McGrath explained her passion for helping other women with breast cancer.

"I was only 31 when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer," she wrote.

"I feel very passionate about empowering women under 40 to take control of their health by conducting regular breast checks - early detection saves lives. "

Earlier this year, the McGraths were made Members in the General Division of the Order of Australia for there fundraising efforts for breast cancer research.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Mrs McGrath's death had saddened all of Australian cricket.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia, but also I am sure of cricket fans everywhere, I offer our sincere condolences to Glenn, James and Holly, as well as to Jane's broader family and many friends,'' Sutherland said.

"Jane was well-known, loved and admired throughout Australian cricket and was one of the most respected and admired members of the Australian cricket team family group during Glenn McGrath's playing days.

"All of us who met her were charmed by her dignity and good humour as she tackled her battle with her illness for more than 10 years.

"We also greatly respected the work she and Glenn did through their Foundation, work which brought and will continue to bring tangible comfort to so many others.

"It was typical of her to set aside her own concerns and to offer so much energy and hope to others touched by breast cancer.''

Mrs McGrath’s best friend and wife of Australian cricketer Michael Bevan, Tracy Bevan, was too distraught to speak.

When the Sunday Telegraph spoke to Mrs Bevan, she broke down in tears saying: "I am too distraught. I have no words…"

The cricketing wives were the best of friends and met their husbands while on holidays from England.

Mrs Bevan manages the McGrath Foundation which raises money for breast cancer nurses.

"There is absolutely nothing I can say,’’ she sobbed.

"We have put a statement out on our website and will announce funeral details later.’’