Dilley dies, aged 52

Former England fast bowler Graham Dilley has died aged 52 after a short illness.

Former England fast bowler passes away after short illness

Former England fast bowler and Ashes hero Graham Dilley has died aged 52 after a short illness. The former Kent and Worcestershire bowler played 41 Tests and 36 one-day internationals for England during a ten-year international career which included two Ashes wins in 1981 and 1986-87. One of the quickest bowlers of his generation, he took 138 Test wickets at 29.78 but his best remembered contribution to the England cause came with the bat in the famous 1981 Ashes Test at Headingley. Dilley helped Ian Botham put on 117 runs for the eighth wicket in Leeds after England had followed on in an apparently impossible position. They went on to win the match by 18 runs on the back of Botham's 149 not out and Bob Willis' 8-43. After retiring, he moved into coaching and enjoyed spells as an Assistant Coach with England and bowling coach to the England Women's team before taking up a position as head cricket coach at Loughborough University. ECB chief executive David Collier said: "Graham made a life-long contribution to the game of cricket at all levels and we are deeply saddened by the sad news this morning. He will be fondly remembered for his contributions both as a player and a coach. "Graham inspired many young cricketers through the University programme and was a highly respected coach to our representative teams. Few will forget his contribution during the historic Ashes win at Headingley in 1981 and the part he played in two Ashes series victories. Graham will be sadly missed by all his friends throughout cricket and ECB sends our deepest condolences to Graham's family." ECB managing director Hugh Morris said: "This is very sad news for Graham's many friends and colleagues in cricket, both in this country and overseas. "As well as being a bowler of the highest class, Graham made an immense contribution to our game as a coach - and his ability to impart his knowledge and wisdom to future generations of young cricketers will be sorely missed."