Con de Lange, Scotland all-rounder, passes away
The South Africa-born de Lange played 21 internationals for Scotland, making his debut in a Twenty20 International against Ireland in June 2015, and going on to be a vital part of their middle order.
His left-arm spin brought him 24 wickets, his best haul being the 5/60 against Zimbabwe in Edinburgh in June 2017, which set up Scotland's historic first one-day international win against a Full Member.
It is with deep regret and sadness we share the news of our beloved coach Con de Lange's death. He was our mentor, leader, champion and above all our friend. Condolences to Claire and the family. We are broken RIP CDL. pic.twitter.com/cnpYC8vgtO
— Clydesdale CC (@DaleCricket) April 19, 2019
He featured in five matches after that, the last of which was in November that year against Papua New Guinea in Dubai, before being sidelined for health reasons that were at the time not made public.
In October last year, the family went public with the news of his illness, launching a campaign to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity. At the time, Malcolm Cannon, Cricket Scotland CEO, said, "Con has been a superb servant to the game of cricket in Scotland and is a very popular member of the squad.
It is with great sadness that Cricket Scotland shares the news that Con de Lange passed away on Thursday 18th April 2019.
— Cricket Scotland (@CricketScotland) April 19, 2019
A great servant to Scotland and the game of cricket, our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.https://t.co/xrOkaJg2lV pic.twitter.com/neoUg3gW9F
"We are now delighted to help the cause by spreading the word throughout the broader cricketing family both at home and overseas and we know there will be an overwhelming level of support from this close-knit community.”
Before turning out for Scotland, de Lange also played domestic cricket for Cape Cobras and Knights in South Africa, and Northamptonshire in England. He is survived by wife Claire and two children.
Tributes flowed in for de Lange from across the cricket world.
A very sad day today as a good pal passes. A true team man a wonderful sense of humour and a real gent. I will miss you big man. RIP Con x
— Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) April 19, 2019
Really sad when the game loses a current player... Condolences from all at @EmiratesCricket https://t.co/nK10Lz2eCX
— Dougie Brown (@dougie1brown) April 19, 2019
Truly a champion of a man. Honored to have shared many memories with you. Thoughts and prayers go out to the De Lange family. RIP my brutha. pic.twitter.com/U1UANiDQoy
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) April 19, 2019
Really sad to hear of the passing of Con de Lange overnight. Condolences to his family. #RIP
— Boyd Rankin (@boydrankin) April 19, 2019