South Africa-born Scotland cricketer Con de Lange passes away at 38

Con de Wet de Lange, Scotland’s international cricketer passed away at the age of 38 on Thursday, April 18, 2019. De Lange was diagnosed with a brain tumour a year ago and despite treatment, the condition remained fatal. The deceased cricketer was born in Belville, Cape Province, South Africa on February 11, 1981. De Lange played 21 international matches for Scotland, with the last match coming in November 2017.

He made his first-class debut for Boland in 1998 against Sri Lanka and even played in English county cricket for Northamptonshire in 2012-2013 season. His first appearance for Scotland was in the 2015–17 ICC Intercontinental Cup against Afghanistan in June 2015. He made his T20I debut against Ireland and ODI debut against Afghanistan the same year. De Lange was selected as the vice-captain of the Scotland T20I international for the tournament to be played in the United Arab Emirates in January 2017.

In October of 2018, Cricket Scotland had announced that De Lange was suffering from a brain tumour, though the condition was identified earlier. He had undergone an operation, chemotherapy and radiation treatment in an attempt to fight the illness. He is survived by wife Claire and two children.

In his playing career, the cricketer claimed 183 first-class wickets, 149 in List A cricket and 33 in T20s, as well as making more than 4,500 career runs across the three formats.

Tribute pours in from cricket fraternity  

Cricketers from around the world sent in condolences and words of support to De Lange’s family and friends via social media, immediately after the news of his death was announced.

Allan Donald called De Lange a “warrior”, writing: “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.”

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

Rory Kleinveldt posted “RIP Con De Lange !!! Someone i woulda taken 2 war with me any day of the week! Such a good soldier lost way 2 soon!! Condolences 2 Claire n the kids! #loveyoubrother”

RIP Con De Lange !!! Someone i woulda taken 2 war with me any day of the week! Such a good soldier lost way 2 soon!! Condolences 2 Claire n the kids! #loveyoubrother

— Rory Kleinveldt (@RoryK_9) April 18, 2019

His former Northamptonshire teammate David Willey wrote: “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 worlds not fair. Con you’re a legend!”

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 worlds not fair. Con you’re a legend! RIP ❤️ https://t.co/5DXIJHmLSg

— David Willey (@david_willey) April 19, 2019

Former South Africa cricketer Andrew Hall posted, “Sad day for every one that knew Con de Lange. He was a good team mate and a great friend. He will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Sad day for every one that knew Con de Lange. He was a good team mate and a great friend. He will be missed by all.
Thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Andrew Hall (@AndrewHall99) April 19, 2019

Very sad to hear the news about Con de Lange. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer in children and adults under the age of 40, and get approx 1% of the funding. Close to home for us, but with these stats should be to everyone @TheGilesTrust

— Ashley Giles (@Gilo) April 19, 2019

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from World Cup 2019, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.