Sad news, played his part well in the ’81 (Botham’s) Ashes victory.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/15185575.stm

Sad news indeed…….

Childhood heroes dying make me realise how old ive become. Rip …. Gone too soon.

Proper ashes hero, and not just in ’81 either – did his bit with the ball in ’86 too.

I always wanted to bowl like Graham Dilley. Despite being about a foot shorter, considerably less athletic, and a natural wicketkeeper, my net bowling style was always to leg it in, give it that that trademark high front leg, and then probably a 55mph long hop.

I do have a mop of curly blondish hair though.

So long Graham, and thanks for holding one end up while Ian thumped the Aussies.

RIP

As a young kid in Canterbury I was lucky enough to have a Dilley in his prime coaching me as a young bowler. Would all professional sportsmen find the time for that? Sound bloke – such a shame as he had loads more to give.

Bloody hell that’s far to young to go. Growing up and playing cricket I always wanted a run up like him, so graceful. RIP.