LONDON: Former England fast bowler Frank Tyson has died at the age of 85, his former county Northamptonshire announced on Sunday.

Northamptonshire announced the news on their website, stating that Tyson has passed away in hospital on Australia’s Gold Coast — where he emigrated after retiring — following a period of ill health.

Nicknamed ‘Typhoon’ due to his ferocious pace, arguably Tyson’s finest performance came in the 1954-55 Ashes in Australia, when he helped England to a 3-1 series win.

After a slow start, Tyson finished the five-match series with 28 wickets, including 10 in the second Test in Sydney and career-best innings figures of 7-27 in the third Test at Melbourne.

“Northants Cricket offers sincere condolences to Frank’s family and friends at this sad time,” Northamptonshire said.

Born at Farnworth in Lancashire, Tyson played 170 matches for Northamptonshire, claiming 525 wickets at an average of 20.94, and took 76 wickets in 17 Tests for his country at an impressive average of 18.56.

Tyson graduated in English literature from Durham University. After retiring Tyson moved to Australia and became a school headmaster, whilst also working as a coach, commentator and journalist.

“Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson will forever be remembered as a great of English cricket,” said Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland in a statement.

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

Tyson, overall, played 244 first-class matched between 1952 and 1960, bagging 767 wickets but his unusual bowling action, which enabled to deliver the ball so quickly, took a toll on his body and he quit at age 30.

Published in Dawn, September 28th , 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play