England and Northants allrounder David Capel dies aged 57

Capel played 15 Tests and 23 one-day internationals for his country and was a much-loved player and coach at Wantage Road

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David Capel, the England and Northamptonshire allrounder, has died aged 57 after a long illness.

The Wantage Road hall of fame inductee was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2018 and passed away at home on Wednesday (September 2).

He spent close to 33 years at Northants, first as an apprentice before becoming a stellar player, scoring 10,869 first-class runs and taking 467 wickets, and hugely influential coach.

In 1987, he become the first Northamptonshire-born player in 77 years to represent England, going on to play 15 Tests and 23 one-day internationals.

After his retirement, he returned to Northants as director of excellence and went on to take charge of the club's academy. Capel eventually became head coach in 2006.

Capel underwent successful surgery on a brain tumour in October 2018 and earlier this year was inducted to the club's hall of fame, which includes the likes of Frank Tyson, Allan Lamb, and Jim Watts.

"This is hugely shocking and sad news for the English cricket family and particularly those connected with Northants CCC," said ECB chief executive Tom Harrison.

"David was one of the finest all-rounders of his era and spent an astonishing 33 years at Wantage Road.

"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."

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