Vale Graham Dilley

It was with great sadness that we read about the passing of former England cricketer Graham Dilley after a short illness aged just 52.

Who can forget those flowing blonde locks as he came into bowl and that high left foot before it slammed into the turf.

He will always be remembered for his innings with Ian Botham against the Australians at Headingley in 1981 when his 56, Botham’s 149 and Chris Old’s 29 ensured that Australia had to bat again. Then Bob Willis returned the best analysis in any Headingley test up until then and the best figures of his career 8 for 43.

Dilley like Botham batted that day with a joie de vivre and maybe that is why he will be best remembered for that innings rather than his at times very impressive bowling. That 56 was also his highest test score and one of only four scores of over fifty in his first class career.

Fifty- two is no age to die, and our thoughts go to his family and friends. Graham Dilley rest in peace, and thanks for the memories!