Generous tributes have been paid to Scotland’s left-arm spinner Con de Lange who has died aged 38 after a long fight with a brain tumour.

De Lange was born in Cape Town, grew up playing in South Africa and moved to Northamptonshire for two seasons before representing Scotland. In all first-class cricket, mainly in South Africa, he took 183 wickets at 38 runs each.

Tony Brian, Chairman of Cricket Scotland, 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."

South Africa’s greatest fast bowler Allan Donald, now Kent’s bowling coach, tweeted: "Gutted to hear that Con De Lange has passed away this morning. What a warrior he was and taken so young. My sincere condolences to the family and their two children."

David Willey, England’s one-day pace bowler, knew De Lange from his Northants days and tweeted before the start of his game for Yorkshire against Warwickshire: "One of the best men I know! Lived with me, put up with too much, and taught me even more! Blessed to have had him in my life and thoughts are with his beautiful family at such a sad time! The world’s not fair. Con you’re a legend! RIP"

De Lange’s best performance for Scotland came in his last but one home game, in 2017, when he wrapped up Zimbabwe’s lower order with five wickets for 60 from his eight overs, giving Scotland their first victory over an ICC Full Member country.

The Telegraph

BDST: 1610 HRS, APR 20, 2019
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