Former Proteas skipper van der Merwe dies

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Former South Africa captain Peter van der Merwe has died at the age of 75 in Port Elizabeth after a period of poor health, Cricket South Africa has announced.

The middle-order batsman played 15 Tests, leading the Proteas in eight - including a series win in England in 1965 and their first home series triumph against Australia in 1966-67.

Peter van der Merwe performs his match referee duties in 1998 before the third Test between Pakistan and Australia in Karachi

Van der Merwe went on to become the first national convener of selectors when South African cricket was unified in 1991 and then an International Cricket Council match referee from 1992 to 1999.

"Peter made an immense contribution to South African cricket both on and off the field," CSA acting chief executive Jacques Faul said.

"He played a major role in changing the mindset of South African cricket from a defensive to an attacking style of play. He was hugely popular with and respected by his players."