CAPE TOWN (REUTERS) - South Africa's first captain of the post-isolation era Clive Rice died on Tuesday after battling a brain tumour, local media reported.

The 66-year-old had appeared to be in remission after visiting India earlier this year to receive robotic radiation treatment in Bangalore.

Rice's family confirmed his death to South Africa's Eye Witness News, saying he was admitted to hospital on Sunday with severe stomach pains.

The all-rounder captained South Africa at the age of 42 on their historic post-isolation limited overs tour of India in 1991, but was then controversially left out of the squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand the following year.

He also briefly represented Scotland before the Proteas' readmission to international cricket.

Rice was prolific with both bat and ball and considered one of South Africa's greatest ever all-rounders.