Cricketer Clive Rice, who captained both South Africa and Nottinghamshire during his career, has died age 66.
Rice’s family confirmed to South Africa’s Eyewitness News that the sportsman died of septicaemia, having been admitted to a Cape Town hospital with severe stomach pains.
Rice had also been battling brain cancer, and in March flew to India to undergo robotic radiation surgery to target the cancer cells in his brain.
Notts County, where Rice played for many years, said in a statement: “Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club is saddened to announce that former captain and cricket manager Clive Rice has passed away aged 66.”
They described him as “one of the shining lights in Nottinghamshire’s side”.
Tributes were paid to Rice on Twitter from a number of high-profile cricketing figures.
So sad to hear the news of Clive Rice's passing! RIP and thanks for the advice and memories!
— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) July 28, 2015
Really sad to hear Clive Rice has passed away. RIP @TrentBridge pic.twitter.com/nVFeR1muKY
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) July 28, 2015
Sorry to hear about the passing of Clive Rice "ricey"..astute captain and a man that played the game hard!! Rip #CliveRice
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) July 28, 2015
Rice was considered one of South Africa’s greatest ever all-rounders.
Haroon Lorgat, Cricket South Africa’s chief executive, said: “Clive was our first captain and we knew him to be a great fighter all his life.
“Even during his last few years he put up a typically courageous and inspirational fight against the illness that had threatened him for a lengthy period of time.”
