English pace-bowling legend Frank Tyson dies

Brisbane, Sep 27 - England Test legend Frank Tyson has passed away on Sunday, aged 85.

Tyson, whose international career spanned from 1954-59, took 76 wickets in 17 Tests at an average of 18.56.

He earned the reputation as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game. Australian legends Donald Bradman and Richie Benaud said he was the quickest bowler they had ever seen.

He was nicknamed 'Typhoon' for his blistering pace.

Tyson was the hero of England’s successful 1954-55 Ashes campaign, taking 25 wickets in three Tests to terrorise the Australians and propel the tourists to a 3-1 series win.

The right-arm pacer played in 244 first-class matches during his county career with Northamptonshire, claiming 767 wickets. He was also a capable lower-order batsman.

The Englishman spent the latter part of his life in Queensland and became a schoolmaster, coach, commentator and writer. He died in a hospital on the Gold Coast.

"Northants Cricket offers sincere condolences to Frank's family and friends at this sad time," Northamptonshire said in a statement on Sunday.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland also paid tribute to Tyson.

“Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson will forever be remembered as a great of English cricket,” Sutherland said on Sunday.

“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," he added.

“Cricket Australia mourns his loss and extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Ursula, family and friends at this sad time.”

(IANS)