South Africa-born, Scotland International cricketer Con de Wet de Lange passed away at an early age of 38 on Thursday, 18th 18, 2019. He had been diagnosed with a brain tumour a year ago and had a lengthy battle with it. He had played 21 International games for Scotland. However, Scotland Cricket confirmed his death news on their official Twitter handle.
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
Con de Lange made his debut in the first-class game for Boland against Sri Lanka in 1998. He even played for Northamptonshire in the English county cricket in the 2012-2013 season. His first played for Scotland in June 2015 in the ICC Intercontinental Cup against Afghanistan. In the same year, he made his debut in the shortest format of the game against Ireland and One Day International debut against Afghanistan. Even, he was named the vice-captain of the Scotland T20I team for the tournament played in January 2017 in the United Arab Emirates.
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However, Cricket Scotland had first announced that he was suffering from a brain tumour in October 2018. As his illness was identified earlier, he had to undergo an operation, chemotherapy and radiation treatment as well in the process of cure.
He had scalped 183 wickets in the first-class cricketer, 149 wickets in the List A cricket and 33 wickets in the T20s. He had amassed more than 4,500 runs across the three formats in his career. Along with these, he had played 21 International matches (13 ODIs and 8 T20Is); where he had 158 runs and 24 wickets, including the best 5/60; which came against Zimbabwe in Edinburgh in June 2017. His left-arm spin bowling powered Scotland to their historic first One Day International game win against a Full Member.
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However, with the news, cricketers from around the world sent their condolences through tweets.
https://twitter.com/AllanDonald33/status/1119124590700089344?s=20
Really sad to hear of the passing of Con de Lange overnight. Condolences to his family. #RIP
— Boyd Rankin (@boydrankin) 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
https://twitter.com/AlexWakely1/status/1119131123240460291?s=20
Really sad when the game loses a current player… Condolences from all at @EmiratesCricket https://t.co/nK10Lz2eCX
— Dougie Brown (@dougie1brown) 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
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
https://twitter.com/Gilo/status/1119156196454232064?s=20
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
https://twitter.com/david_willey/status/1119142097339027456?s=20
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