Clive Rice with Richard Hadlee © Getty images
The International Cricket Council’s President David Richardson was sad after knowing about the untimely death of former South African captain Clive Rice. This happened after a prolonged illness at the age of 66. Richardson feels that Rice was a giant of the game, not just in South Africa but across the cricketing fraternity. Richardson, being a South African himself was taken aback on learning about Rice’s death. He also spoke high about David’s bowling abilities. Rice showed sympathy towards the family of the departed soul. ALSO READ: Clive Rice: How he compared against Imran Khan, Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, and Richard Hadlee
According to ICC media release ‘Clive Rice’ was a giant of the game, not just in South Africa, but across the cricketing association. Clive Rice said in the press release about the sad demise of Rice –”Though his international appearances for the Proteas were limited to just three ODIs, Clive was a hugely inspirational figure for those of us who had the privilege to represent our country since readmission to international cricket in 1991 and it was fitting that Clive was named as captain of the national team on that historic first tour to India.” ALSO READ: Clive Rice mastered cricket, but could not conquer time
Talking of his career stats he made 26,331 runs in 482 first-class matches with a highest score of 246. He was a good fast-medium bowler claiming 930 wickets at an average of 22.49 in first-class cricket. He only played three ODIs in his cricket career.
ICC also adds that Rice was a destructive batsman and a feared pace bowler; he was a key part of Transvaal’s famed ‘Mean Machine’ of the 1970s and 80s where he lead his team Transvaal to three Currie Cup titles. He was recognised as a leading all-rounder of his time and then came the classic moment of 1981 where he was named as the Wisden Cricketer of the Year. Speaking on Tuesday, David Richardson said: “Clive was a hugely inspirational figure for those of us who had the privilege to represent our country since readmission to international cricket in 1991 and it was fitting that Clive was named as captain of the national team on that historic first tour to India.”
He inspired many South African cricketers like Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener and Jonty Rhodes and he will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Richardson in the end expressed his condolences to Clive’s wife Sue and to his children at this difficult time.