England fast bowler Frank Tyson has died at the age of 85

England's Frank Tyson, rated one of the fastest bowlers of his era, has died in Australia at the age of 85.

The pace bowler played only 17 Test matches for England, but took 76 wickets at a remarkable average of only 18.56 and earned the nickname 'Typhoon' Tyson during his six-year international career, which was ended by injury at the age of only 30.

Lancashire-born Tyson enjoyed a decorated county career with Northamptonshire and was the hero of England's Ashes victory in 1954/55 when he took 28 wickets in five matches, terrorising the home batting line-up as England claimed the series 3-1.

During that tour, Tyson produced a sensational spell of bowling in Melbourne, taking 7-27 in the second innings when he had Australia batsmen diving out of the way of his deliveries.

He emigrated to Australia at the end of his international career and spent time working as a teacher in Melbourne before a long career as a commentator on the radio and for Channel Nine.

Former commentary colleague Richie Benaud, who died in April, rated Tyson the fastest bowler he had seen.

Tyson also spent time coaching Victoria's state team before retiring to the Gold Coast, where he died after a long battle with illness.

Tyson played 170 matches for Northamptonshire, claiming 525 wickets at 20.94 apiece, and a statement from the county read: "Northants Cricket offers sincere condolences to Frank's family and friends at this sad time."

Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland paid tribute to the fast bowler.

"Frank 'Typhoon' Tyson will forever be remembered as a great of English cricket," he said.

"Throughout his career he struck fear into the hearts of batsmen around the globe. But once his playing days were over he chose to settle here in Australia, the country where he had become a household name.

"Over many years he became a much-loved and greatly admired member of the Australian cricket community where he coached and mentored countless players in Victoria and Queensland.

"He also made a wonderful contribution to the coverage of the game in Australia as a broadcaster and cricket writer."