Former Scotland captain Con De Lange dies aged 38
Former Scotland captain Con De Lange has died at the age of 38 after a long battle with illness, Cricket Scotland has confirmed.
De Lange was diagnosed with a brain tumour 16 months ago after falling ill while away on international duty in late 2017.
The former Northamptonshire all-rounder is survived by his wife Claire and their two children, Daisy and Rory.
Cricket Scotland chair Tony Brian said: "Con's death at such an early age is a tragedy. He was a great servant to cricket in Scotland as well as South Africa and elsewhere, not just in the national team but also at regional and club level with his infectious and inspirational commitment, both as player and coach.
"But above all, we will remember Con the man - competitive, committed and the ultimate team player, someone with unshakeable principles and integrity.
"He will be greatly missed and very fondly remembered by many throughout the world of cricket. The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish cricketing community are with Claire, Daisy and Rory."
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De Lange began his cricket career in his native South Africa in 1998, playing for the likes of Knights and Free State and had two years with Northants before playing for Ferguslie and Clydesdale in Scotland. He also coached Clydesdale and Western Warriors.
De Lange captained Scotland to their first 50-over victory over an ICC full member in May 2017, hitting the winning runs as Scotland chased down 287 against Sri Lanka in May 2017. He took five wickets as Scotland recorded their first one-day international triumph against a full member when they beat Zimbabwe later that year.
Tributes have come in from across the cricket world. Northants captain Alex Blakely wrote on Twitter: "Absolutely devastated to wake up to the news that former Northants champ and friend, Con De Lange has passed away. One of the greatest blokes you will ever meet. Never forgotten."
Scotland international George Munsey wrote: "Words can't come close to describe what a man Con De Lange is. The biggest fighter with the kindest heart! It's gutting. He had such a positive effect on so many people and pushed @CricketScotland forward to new heights. Thoughts with his amazing family."
Additional by PA
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