Scottish All-Round Cricketer Con de Lange Dies at 38, Cricket Fraternity Pays Tribute

Scotland all-round cricketer Con de Lange has died at the age of 38 on Thursday, 18 April after a lengthy battle with brain cancer.

Scotland all-round cricketer Con de Lange has died at the age of 38 on Thursday, 18 April after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. The South African born player began his career in 1998 and recorded 175 first-class wickets including domestic cricket.

The left-arm spinner registered 21 international caps for Scotland after making his debut in a Twenty20 International against Ireland in June 2015. he was a vital part of his national side’s middle order. Lange took 24 wickets, with his best performance being the 5/60 against Zimbabwe in Edinburgh in June 2017. Following that, he played five matches against Papua New Guinea in Dubai after which he was sidelined for health reasons which was not made public at that time.

Apart from international games, de Lange also played domestic cricket for Cape Cobras and Knights in South Africa, and Northamptonshire in England.

In October last year, his family revealed the cricketer’s ailment and also launched a campaign to raise money for the brain tumour society.

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.

“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.”

de Lange has his wife and two children. Following the news of his demise, the cricketing fraternity extended their condolences on social media:

It is with great sadness that Cricket Scotland shares the news that Con de Lange passed away on Thursday 18th April 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

— Cricket Scotland (@CricketScotland) April 19, 2019

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

Absolutley 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 😞

— Alex Wakely (@AlexWakely1) 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

Gutted to here 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 there two children. RIP Con De Lange🙏🏼

— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) April 19, 2019

(With inputs from ICC)