Capel dies from brain tumour

David Capel, the former Northamptonshire and England all-rounder, has passed away at the age of 57 following a prolonged illness. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2018.

Capel, who made his First-Class debut versus the touring Sri Lankans in 1981, went on to play 15 Tests and 23 ODIs for his country. His highest Test score of 98 came against Pakistan in Karachi in 1987. On his Test debut against Pakistan in Leeds in 1987, he came out to bat with England tottering at 31 for 5 and compiled a gritty fifty. The seam bowling all-rounder also played 313 first-class matches, picking up 546 wickets and accumulating 12,202 runs. He also played in 345 List A games. He played his final Test and ODI on the 1990 tour of the Caribbean.

After retiring from first-class cricket in 1998, Capel went on to become the County’s Director of Excellence in 1999, and became Northamptonshire’s head coach in 2006. He also served as the head coach of Bangladesh Women, alongside being named as the assistant coach of England women in 2013. In May this year, he was included in Northamptonshire’s Hall of fame.

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “This is hugely shocking and sad news for the English Cricket family and particularly those connected with Northants CCC. David was one of the finest all-rounders of his era and spent an astonishing 33 years at Wantage Rd.

“I had the privilege of playing with David, a hugely competitive and determined cricketer who was never beaten – an attitude he took into his battle with his illness. A complex and private man on the surface, a kind and gentle one to those who knew him well. I will miss his friendship,” he added. (Cricbuzz)