Former Proteas captain passes away
Clive Rice, arguably South Africa's best cricketer in the days of political isolation, died early on Tuesday morning in Cape Town.
Former SA cricket captain Clive Rice has passed away, aged 66.
Rice was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour, and sought medical treatment in India.
Although the former Transvaal captain played during the isolation period, Rice played three One Day Internationals for the national team in 1991. He was later omitted from the team that played at the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, his first-class career consisted of 482 matches, scoring 26,331 runs at an average of 40.95 runs per innings. The all-rounder also took 930 wickets at an average of 22.49 runs.
He was sometimes controversial and he was known as a man who was never afraid to speak his mind, but in his prime Clive Rice was a genius on the cricket field.
This former captain of South Africa’s national cricket team died in the early hours of 28 July after suffering from a brain tumour for months. He died five days after his 66th birthday.
Rice played in 482 first class cricket games in his career. In his first class career he hit 26331 runs at an average of 40,95 and he took 930 wickets at an average of 22,49. His first class career spanned 24 years. He started playing for the then Transvaal at the age of 20 in 1969 and he ended his career at the age of 44 at Natal in 1993.
Officially Rice only played three One Day International matches (ODI’s) for South Africa. He was selected for South Africa’s tour to Australia in the 1971/72 season, but the tour was later cancelled due to political pressure.
In South Africa Rice was well known as captain and star player for the Transvaal team of the 1980’s, better known as “The Mean Machine”. He also have led South Africa in several unofficial Tests against rebel touring teams from the West Indies and Australia who came to South Africa in the 1980s. In 1988 he also played for Scotland.
Rice has a great reputation in England, where he played for the top English club, Nottinghamshire, for 12 seasons. He captained this side for several seasons and under his leadership they have won the prestigious County Championship title in 1981 and 1987.
In 1981 Rice was named as the “Wisden cricketer of the year”, probably the most prestigious honour for any cricketer in England.
He later returned to Nottinghamshire to coach the side between 1999 and 2002.Rice is survived by his wife, Sue, and two children.
Dreadful news about Clive Rice. Was a man's man who only ever played it tough. RIP.
— Clinton van der Berg (@ClintonV) July 28, 2015
Will never forget watching him at the Wanderers, terrorising batsmen with his yorkers. Middle-stumps cartwheeling behind them. #RIPCliveRice
— Warren K Smith (@MrSmithMachine) July 28, 2015
Had the honor of meeting Clive Rice in person. Humble,unassuming amazing sportsman. #RIPCliveRice
— Peter Herring (@PeterHerring) July 28, 2015
#RIPCliveRice #MeanMachine ....Rice was SA's first captain on our return to international cricket...
— Member (@ThabisoMosia) July 28, 2015
#RIPCliveRice
— Amanda Carpede (@amandacarpede) July 28, 2015
South African sport has lost a legend today
