Clive Rice, Former South Africa Captain, Passes Away

Former South Africa captain Clive Rice passed away in a Cape Town hospital on Tuesday after losing a battle to brain tumour. He was aged 66. (Also Read: Sachin, Sreesanth Pay Last Respects to Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)

Rice was in India in March to get his cancer-related tumour treated in Bangalore.

After making his first-class debut in 1969, Rice did not play international cricket till 1991 when he was 41. His career was greatly hampered by South Africa's isolation during apartheid. Rice led the Proteas in their first international engagement against India (1991) after the isolation ended. However, he did not find a place in South Africa's World Cup squad in 1992. Rice would never play for South Africa again.

One of the best all rounders the game has seen. Was an imposing personality. #RIP Clive Rice

- sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 28, 2015

In three ODIs, Rice, an all-rounder made 26 runs and took two wickets. He had a far more successful first-class career where he amassed 26,331 runs at an average of 40.95 and took 930 wickets at 22.49 from 482 matches. Rice hung up his boots in 1994.

With a first-class career that spanned almost 36-years, Rice formed part of the formidable Transvaal Mean Machine and also led South Africa as captain in their return to international cricket in 1991.

Rice will be remembered as being one of the great all-rounders to have represented the province and country and in the nearly 1000 first-class and List A matches that he played, he impressed with both bat and ball.

Gauteng Cricket Board President, Thabang Moroe, acknowledged the contribution that Rice had made to cricket in the province. "Clive's career came at a challenging time in our country's and the sport of cricket's history.

"One cannot help but tip your hat to some phenomenal performances. He represented our country and province well and above all else had a deep love for cricket," Moroe said.

Our deepest sympathies & condolences go out to the Rice family as well as friends & fans of Clive. #RIPCliveRice pic.twitter.com/GxXlS9PRUQ

- Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 28, 2015