Former England all-rounder Basil D'Oliveira has died in Cape Town at the age of 80.

Born in South Africa D'Oliveira moved to England in 1960 due to the lack of opportunities for non-White players.

In 1968 he was included in the England squad for the tour of South Africa which was then cancelled as the South African government refused to accept his presence.

He played 44 Tests for England scoring 2484 runs at an average of 40.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola led the tributes to D'Oliveira, saying: "He was a man of true dignity and a wonderful role model as somebody who overcame the most extreme prejudices and circumstances to take his rightful place on the world stage.

"The fact that he could have a Test career batting average of 40 in 44 Tests and an economy rate of less than two with the ball on his way to 47 wickets was remarkable considering he was past his prime when he made his debut for England in his mid-30s.

"One can only imagine what he might have achieved had he made his debut as he should have done at the age of 20 on South Africa's tour of England in 1951.

"I would like to pay tribute also to all those people in England, notably John Arlott, one of the greatest cricket radio commentators of all time, for the roles they played in making it possible for Basil to achieve his dream of playing international cricket for his adopted country.

"The circumstances surrounding his being prevented from touring the country of his birth with England in 1968 led directly to the intensification of opposition to apartheid around the world and contributed materially to the sports boycott that turned out to be an Achilles heel of the apartheid government.

"Throughout this shameful period in South Africa's sporting history, Basil displayed a human dignity that earned him worldwide respect and admiration.

"His memory and inspiration will live on among all of us. On behalf of the CSA family I would like to convey our sympathies to his family and salute them on a life well lived."

A memorial service for the Worcestershire and England cricketer Basil D'Oliveira will take place in South Africa later.

The service is being held at St George's Cathedral in Cape Town, the city where D'Oliveira grew up. He moved to England in the 1960s.

The all-rounder was banned from playing for his adopted country in South Africa in 1968 because he was not white.

Candles will be lit at the start of the service by young cricketers.