Your tributes to Graham Dilley

On Wednesdaywereported the sad news that former Kent, Worcestershire and Englandbowler Graham Dilley had died aged 52following a short illness.

Click here toread our article, Tributes to former Kent bowler Graham Dilley

Graham Dilley was an inspirational cricketer, and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

We have compiled tributes to Graham Dilley below, if you would like to add your own tribute, please emailsarah.morecombe.kent@ecb.co.uk:

As an ardent Kent supporter since the late 1960s’ (my school days) I have fond memories of Graham thundering in to ball off a longish run followed by the famous back foot drag. Having earlier witnessed Kent pace attack including such stalwarts as Norman Graham, Alan Brown, John Shepherd and Bob Woolmer it was refreshing to watch Graham’s genuine pace. My famous recollection was watching Graham bowling (for Kent) off a full run-up against Middlesex at Lords with Paul Downton standing up to the wicket (it was no surprise that Downton was selected later that month for England’s winter tour to India). Like all Kent supporters I was disappointed to note of Graham’s move to Worcestershire but always followed his progress with England. Thanks for the memories ‘Dill’ and heartfelt condolences to his family for leaving us so soon. Shahid Khan (Gillingham)

I remember the pure joy that this man brought to the hearts of 15 year old kids like me as he flayed Australia's finest to all parts of Headingley. Makes me smile to think of it now. Thank you Graeme, we will miss you.Paul Deighton, Tyke exiled in Somerset

In 1970 I was selected to go to Beaconsfield with 2 other guys to be coached by Jim Etchells (like an academy). I played in same Colts side as Ex Surrey quick bowler David Thomas.

I wrote to Kent in 1972 for trial Les Ames wrote back as County Champions no trials ( still got letter/ I am now World War One Historian). Was such a Kent fan I lived in Whitstable until aged 8 1964.

I played for Gerrards Cross from 1975 (Andrew Strauss played there) great year 1980 8 for 59 v High Wycombe 3rds, 7/14 for Aylesbury Insurance followed by 7/12 next week for same side in local Midweek league Cricket cuttings still in file.

I am now 55 & remember fondly how much Graham & Ian Botham inspired me I moved to Wolverhampton in 1987 & saw them both play for Worcester.

Graham was a great site & truly inspirational my best performance @ higher level was 5 for 40 for Northwood 2nds in 1983 & making their ones.

My first 2 matches for Womborne in Wolverhampton1989 were 4 for 1 & 4 for41 we won both league matches for 3rds. Paul Croft

“ In the early 1970’s a Hadlow under 16 team reached the quarter finals of a competition run by the AKCC. They played against a team from Meopham. In that team a young 15 year old took 5 wickets and opened the batting. Meopham won the match and went on to win the competition. One of Hadlow's senior members, commented whilst watching the match; “that lad will go a long way” well he sure did! Simon Dolding on behalf of Hadlow Cricket Club

All the women loved him, blond 6ft 4 tall and a dashing smile. That he was 52 and still a lot to give makes it a tragedy. Tim Spelling

Just being a bit older than Graham makes me realise how lucky I am to be alive, but just as much how privileged I was to see Graham progress in the Kent and England sides. I do remember from my first sight, that shock of blond hair and the fantastic bowling action he had. Living over 130 miles away from the county made my trips to Canterbury into a grand annual event and I was always keen to see the new players come into the side. I could see Graham had a rare talent but at an early stage it was apparent he could bat as well.

In many ways it was a shame that his emergence coincided at the same time that the club was at the beginning of its long term demise because with the confidence that early 70s side had, Graham would have been so much more self assured. Instead he was treated with the poor management style that has led to so many young Kent Cricketers moving elsewhere.

During any test match when Graham played I willed him on whether batting or bowling. Inevitably the 81 Headingly test comes to mind especially Graham’s innings with Botham where both of them hammered the ball around the ground. How proud was I to see a Kent player play such a prominent role in that most memorable of Ashes tests.

To Graham’s family I send my sincere condolences. To Graham thanks for all the great memories that will live with me until is my turn and beyond. Peter Mills

I knew Graham Dilley at Dartford Cricket Club in the 1970s where we both played. His Father, Geoff, no mean cricketer in his own right who played for Dartford Nomads, brought him along to the club and it was soon obvious that this small blond lad had something a little bit special. Within a short space of time he grew in size and ability and was in the first team. The rest is now written in history. A great lad and some good times at Hesketh Park and elsewhere. Thankyou Graham. Rest in peace. Rob Walter, Aylesbury

My interest in Kent Cricket roughly coincided with Graham Dilley's arrival on the scene: I believe that I watched his county debut against Middlesex at the Nevill in the late 1970s and, together with the many other kids who enjoyed watching three-day county cricket at that time, found him quite a charismatic figure: not for his personality, which seemed quite restrained, but for his appearance, distinctive action and long, fast run-up.

It was his misfortune to play for Kent (just as it was my misfortune to start watching them!) just as the glory days were coming to an end: he was one of many talented players who played for the county during the 1980s without every experiencing the success of the halcyon Underwood/Knott/Cowdrey years. Gareth Davies

Such sad news about the death of Kent great Graham Dilley. I met Graham when I was playing for Kent U19's way back in 1995. He was a great guy who had a lot of time for us youngsters and we clung onto every word he said. This was Graham Dilley! England's Graham Dilley! Ashes hero and true Kent great. Will be sadly missed. Darren Cook, Sevenoaks

Graham Dilley not only was an excellent and fantastic fast bowler, but also a great ambassador of the game of cricket. His untimely passing away has meant that he will be sorely missed by the entire cricketing fraternity across the globe!! Thank you for everything Graham & RIP!! Venkataraman.G

Growing up in the West Country it seemed logical to support the might of Somerset with Botham, Richards and Garner, or a Gloucestershire lead by Mike Proctor and Zaheer Abbas.

However inspired by Alan Knott, Chris Tavare, Bob Woolmer and Derek Underwood, instead I chose to support Kent and a lifelong fan I've been ever since. I finally paid my first visit to Canterbury this Summer, an ambition fulfilled.

Graham Dilley was my first real hero and at the age of 14 I was happier for him to score his highest Test score of 56, than I was for Ian Botham to score a match winning 149 at Headingley. I then spent the next 12 years trying to bowl like him and grow my hair like him, until I retired at the tender age of 26, lead astray by girls and alcohol.

I cried the day he went to Worcestershire, very much as I cried today, when I heard he had passed away, at such a young age…… RIP to a true cricketing legend and a boyhood hero. Ian Sweet, Bristol

Just heard the news about Graham DILLEY and am so sad. I should like, through you, to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and his friends at Kent County CC. I used to play at Otford. Monty Brench, Peterborough

Truly shocked and saddened by Graham's death. There'll be many a Kent and England fan of my vintage who attempted, with no success at all, to copyhis back foot drag. And there'll be many more who will never forget his contribution to England's famous Ashes wins in the 80s. Sincere condolences to his loved ones. Steve Boarder

He was a guy who made you smile when he was on the pitch, and made such a positive difference to so many people, which is what a worthwhile life is all about, so many lives are too short, his was one. Lin Martin

I will remember Graham Dilley as a much under rated player. His potential was very much in the Ian Botham mould as demonstrated clearly in their famous Headingley battingpartnership of 1981.

He never quite made his name on the batting front as he could have done but without doubt that side of his game was there for all to see.

One regret may be that his bowling technique was tampered with but nevertheless his undoubted talent was never in question.

A very sad loss to cricket andspeaking as a Kent fan a particular sad loss to all at Canterbury. RIP. Rob Milliams

So sad to hear of Graham's Dilley death at such a tragically young age.

I have very fond memories of watching him play for Kent during my youth – a wonderful sight to see him steaming in to bowl with his blond locks flowing. Of course, I will also never forget his heroics for Englandat Headingley in 1981.

My condolences toGraham's family and friends. Carolyn Cheyney

Hearing of Graham Dilley’s death today has brought back so many great memories of growing up watching him play at Canterbury and hours spent infront of the tele watching England games in the 80s.

Happy days, good memories, sad news. Sarah Bradley

Thank you for giving my father and I, both keen cricket followers, to offer our condolences to the family of Graham Dilley.

How shocked and saddened we are to hear of this tragic loss at such a young age. Graham Dilley made a huge contribution to English cricket with excellent bowling figures for Kent, Worcestershire, and of course England at test level. What is often overlooked is the 56 he made in partnership with Botham to win the famous Ashes Test at Headingley in 1981. Thank you for this and more. Garry and Alan Lloyd

Just heard the tragic news about Graham Dilley – along with Bob he was a legend of his time for Kent. At this time in shock, Graham r.i.p.we need say no more at this respectful time. Anthony Budd

I was a boy and saw Graham Dilley bowling against the Pakistan touring side of '78 and even as a child i could see he was something special.

A great bowlerand a tremendous ambassador for both Kent and England.

I wore out more than one set of trainers trying to bowl like him.

RIP PIcca. Andy Paul, a man of Kent exiled in York

Spent childhood at Canterbury watching "picca" bowl fast and compete. I too spent hours on playing fields trying to copy the foot drag! It appears he gave so much back to cricket and cricketers. Lets hope the republish his book. Thoughts with family and friends and supporters. Ian Spain

This is a very sad day for Graham's family, friends and for Kent cricket. He was a gentle giant in the fiercely competitive world of cricket. An inspirational
genuinely quick bowler, who will always remain one of my all-time favourite players in the Kent team.

I was upset when he left Kent and how I wish we had an opening bowler of Graham's calibre right now.
My thoughts and sympathy are with his family. Anthony Fernau

I’ve been a Kent fan ever since my P3 teacher told me she was from Kent, just as I began to enjoy cricket and I was looking for a county to support from afar up here in Scotland. My early hero was Alan Knott, closely followed by Bob Woolmer and then Alan Ealham. However I always used to look out for Kent players in Test Matches and Graham Dilley was one of those players. My abiding memory of Graham is undoubtedly his catch off Bob Willis’ bowling in the famous Headingley test, when he caught the ball above his head then looked round anxiously to see if he was still in play! His death came as a shock and by all accounts his illness was a short one. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Thanks for the memories, Graham and RIP. Alan Tennant

I had the honour of playing a couple of years club cricket at Dartford CC with Graham when he was a teenager, prior to breaking into the county team. He represented his country with pride and I always felt did not get the recognition he deserved especially his immense contribution to that famous Test win v Australia at Headingly in 1981. Condolences to his family. Malcolm Stroudley

Graham was a little bit younger than me and I remember him bursting onto the scene in breathtaking fashion. He hadn't been playing long for Kent when his impetus was noticed by the sporting press: I always remember the headline "Don't Dally Dilley" in the call for his services in the England fold, and of course the selectors didn't dally long. I was so proud of watching him in 1981 with the bat, rescuing a hopeless situation with Beefy. It was such a shock to hear about his passing today. I would just like to add my thanks to him for the pleasure he gave us ardent Kent supporters. Dave Yeates

I was lucky enough to get to know Graham a little over the past year as my son is at Loughborough. I found him a real nice fellow and quite humble but when you got him talking about cricket and bowling you understood why is was so highly regarded. I am sure his students will always remember what he taught them. Someone never to be forgotten. Roy

Always remember Graham's innings in 1981 with Botham, Graham never quite got the recognition he deserved. Also remember well being at Lords on finals day & seeing him remove Viv Richards. Great days. He was a a very good fast bowler, who, but for injuries and I believe some dodgy coaching at one time or another, would have been a 'great'. He gave great joy to us Kent supporters. So sad and at such a young age. Andy Allen

As a schoolboy in Kent my father took me to Kent Sunday league games where Graham was my schoolboy cricketing hero. My memories of him first and foremost are as a Kent bowler with his mop of blond air and straight long run ups followed by dragging his leg back as he bowled. My memories of him as a test player are more vague in pre Sky days. John Coghlan

I'm an unofficial Kent CCC supporter & have been late 70s when players like Knott, Iqbal, Ealham made KCCC such an entertaining team to watch. As a Geordie living then in Newcastle I never saw them play live but the brand of cricket they played made me a life long fan.
Graham Dilley was a wonderful cricketer and a KCCC player which made him to me even more special. I admired his cricket, cheered his batting & bowling. He made me happy and I'm so sad at the news of his passing. RIP Graham & sincere condolences to his family. Dave

Just being a bit older than Graham makes me realise how lucky I am to be alive, but just as much how privileged I was to see Graham progress in the Kent and England sides. I do remember from my first sight, that shock of blond hair and the fantastic bowling action he had. Living over 130 miles away from the county made my trips to Canterbury into a grand annual event and I was always keen to see the new players come into the side. I could see Graham had a rare talent but at an early stage it was apparent he could bat as well. In many ways it was a shame that his emergence coincided at the same time that the club was at the beginning of its long term demise because with the confidence that early 70s side had, Graham would have been so much more self assured. During any test match when Graham played I willed him on whether batting or bowling. Inevitably the 81 Headingly test comes to mind especially Graham’s innings with Botham where both of them hammered the ball around the ground. How proud was I to see a Kent player play such a prominent role in that most memorable of Ashes tests. To Graham’s family I send my sincere condolences. To Graham thanks for all the great memories that will live with me until is my turn and beyond. Peter Mills

I'd like to add my most heartfelt condolences to Graham's family, ex-Kent, Worcestershire and England colleagues and friends following his untimely death atonly 52. It can't be true! When I heard the news last night Icame very very close tobreaking down and sobbing.Graham will always beone of my real cricketing heroes for having "got one over" so decisively on the Australians at Headingley in 1981 when England still needed 92 runs to avoid an innings defeat.I'mreally glad that yesterday and today, Graham is at last getting true recognition for startingEngland's batting counter-attack in the second innings of that third Test.I don't care if it was or appeared to be just a bit of village-green style fun, with more than a stroke of luck about it. It was the determinedattitude that counted.His 117-run stand with Ian Botham (especially theway they amassed the last 76 of them in 44 minutes after tea that day)was and alwayswill be a shining example of "never ever give up,a team isnot down till they're all out".For anyone who is now in their late forties or older, listening to Test Match Special from Leeds in thosefinal three hoursor so of that July '81 day as the score went from 135 for 7 to252 for8 andonwards, was like something from Boy's Own Paper or a comic strip coming to life.In military terms, two gunboats were inflicting major damage on a big Aussie battleship. In psychological terms, the Aussies went from swagger to just losing it.Botham may havewon all the medals for reaching 145 not out by the close of play, but Graham Dilley deservesmuch, muchmore than merely being mentioned in dispatches (or just on scorecards) for56 runs.

And I've got this farwithout even mentioningGraham's contribution for Englandover ten years as a fastbowler.In the prime of his career what an amazing delivery action he had– it was more like a weird version ofthe triple jump step and javelin throw fromathletics– but it sure must have been good because it rattled and foxed some of the greatest West Indiesand Australian top-order batsmen of twenty-five to thirty years ago.

Mike Selvey has written a wonderful tribute tohim in The Guardian sport section.Articles elsewhere about him all over the press today really show how muchGraham was loved. Clearly he found his second career in coaching and is an example of "those than can, teach". I remember my wife, not a cricket fan, saying why don't we hear more about the England women's team doing so well?I quietly mused to myself that I knew why that team were riding high.RIP Picca, I doubt they'll make one like you again soon. Keith Penfold, Weybridge, Surrey (son of Mike Selvey's Maths and Cricket teacher, the late Alec Penfold at Battersea Grammar School Streatham)

Having been brought up revering Knott, Underwood, Cowdrey, Iqbal and others as a young boy (and in no particular order) Graham Dilley was every bit the total hero to me when I was older. So sad. And so young. Although I never knew Graham I feel a sense of loss afforded to a family member. Thank you for being a legend. RIP. N Pankhurst

I couldn't believe this when I saw it on the news. I went to Wentworth Junior School and remember being told in assembly that he'd played his first game for Kent. We had a great teacher Mr Mills who played with Graham's dad Geoff for Dartford Nomads and had us all playing cricket at school. A group of us from Wentworth used to play cricket on Crayford Corner and Geoff asked us to formed a colts team. The first year we started Graham would come and bowl in the nets and I vividly remember him coming back from Australia and joining in with us all still wearing the coloured England one day shirt. His dad Geoff ended up taking my brother and I to Nomads matches and in 1981 we were playing with him when Graham helped to win the test at Headingley. I went onto play cricket for the next 25 years and I'm sure that fleeting sight of Graham inspired all of us to pick up bat and ball and play. It's a really sad end for him. I dont know if his Dad Geoff is still around, he would be in his 80s, but he was a lovely man and a great cricketer too and it makes me sad to think he's lost his son so young.Peter Daniel

As a young teenager growing up in the 80s, I spent many hours as an avid Kent fan at Kentgrounds watching some fantastic Kent cricketers such as Knott, Underwood, Alderman, Baptiste, Jarvis, Mark Benson, Neil Taylor and Tavare etc. One of the most memorable players of this time was undoubtedly Graham Dilley with his long golden locks, genuine pace and dragging back leg, constantly battling his ailments. Like everyone else, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death last week. RIP Graham, condolences to his family and thanks for the memories. Kevin Sell,Chipping Sudbury, Bristol

TWITTER TRIBUTES:

Simon Willis – Very sad news about fellow Dartford CC and Kent CCC player Graham Dilley. Appreciated the discussions and advice over the years. RIP

Deanna Cooper – We are very sad to hear the news that ex Kent and England player Graham Dilley has died today, age 52. RIP

Rob Key – So sad that Graham Dilley has passed away. Really enjoyed his company. He was a fantastic man. Thoughts go to his family

Adam Riley – Shocking news to hear about Graham Dilley earlier up here at lboro, there's no doubt about the mark he's left on Loughborough Cricket. RIP

Sam Billings – RIP Graham Dilley, great inspiration, great coach and most of all a great friend. will be sorely missed.

Tammy Beaumont – So shocked and devastated. I wish I could have thanked dills for all he did for me. I will miss him greatly

Sarah Ansell –Dreadful news about Graham Dilley. He was one of my first Kent heroes. So, so sad. RIP. I named a spider plant & a teddy after him. Ashes hero, too. His Headingley innings was every bit as special in the context of the match as Botham's. In tears here & I didn't even know him personally. His poor, poor family & friends. Too young.

Shaun Udal – Very sad to hear the news from the ECB that Graham Dilley has died today. Only 52 years. Great bowler and nice man, shame

Darren Cook – Really sad news at the death of Graham Dilley. A true Kent great! 2 time Ashes winner! Hero. #kentthroughandthrough

Stephanie Shreeve – So sad to hear about the death of #GrahamDilley. The boys tried to bowl like him; we girls drooled over his blonde hair.

Chris Dicketts – We are very sad to hear the news that ex Kent and England player Graham Dilley has died today, age 52. RIP

John Roberts – Really sad news about Graham Dilley – he was always at the ground and a joy to watch play and talk to

Iain Thomas – RIP Picca. One of my boyhood heroes for his exploits at Headingley '81. A very sad loss.

Rob Haddock – Sad news re: #GrahamDilley, a bit too young to remember him playing for @kentcricket , but remember the big blonde curly afro. RIP!!

Marcus Pell – sad news about Graham may he rip, thoughts to his family and friends. As a Kent fan was so pleased he played in Ashes 81.

Dave Lockwood – Graham Dilley was one of my heroes. A Kent cricketer who played for England. It didn't get much better than that. So sad. #rip

Karen Leach – Just got in to hear the tragic new of Graham Dilleys passing, thoughts to his family. R.I.P

Darren Gough – Sorry to hear the news regarding a top bloke, great bowler and top coach Graham Dilley , may he rest in peace xx

Martin Pearce – RIP Graham, far too young to go.

Mark Steel – Oh no Graham Dilley – not only should he still be alive, he should still be bowling for Kent. He was a Kentish star and a star of Kent

Beeswaxy – So sad to hear about Graham Dilley, one of my favourite @Kentcricket-ers and a nice chap to boot.

Mark Shannon – So sad to hear that Graham Dilley has passed away. 52 is no age. He was a great bowler and will always be a @kentcricket legend. #rip

Tony Quarrington – Tragic news about Graham Dilley – lovely man and fine cricketer for Kent & England. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Tom Parsons – RIP Graham Dilley- a great guy who will be sorely missed. Helped me massively in my career along with many others @kentcricket #grahamdilley

Pete Mills – RIP Graham Dilley a real hero. You've left a lot of good memories my thoughts to his family

Rachel Brookes – Very sad to hear the news from the ECB that Graham Dilley has died today. Too young.

Adam Williams – Really sad news about Graham Dilley. Had pleasure of both interviewing him and being coached by him in his career. Kent legend too.

PCA Benevolent Fund – Our thoughts go out to Graham Dilley's family; he was a legendary England fast bowler and fantastic coach to many of today’s great players.

Lizzy – Feel desperately sad about Dilley. Big part of the formation of my love affair with cricket.

James Marsh – Very sad news about former kentcricket and England bowler Graham Dilley who has passed away aged 52

Gavin Hope – RIP Graham Dilley, a kentcricket legend!! Maybe scored the greatest unsung 50 in THAT Headingley test match in 1981!

Richard Andrzejak – RIP GrahamDilley, I can still see you smiling when batting with #Beefy in 1981 at #Headingly, #KentishMan great @kentcricket player

Matthew Hoggard – Just heard the news that Graham dilly has passed!! Legend of a bloke, cricketer, and coach R.I.P

Matt Walker – So sad to hear the news that Kent and England great Graham Dilley has passed away. Modelled my action on his back in my fast bowling days!

Dominic Cork – Devastated that Graham Dilley has passed away. A true hero who gave everything to cricket. Inspired me to play back in 1981.

Guvnor – I'm shocked and saddened by the passing of Graham Dilley. First saw him as a kid for Kent against Scotland in Scotland, R.I.P

Neil Southey – Such sad news. Memories of Graham thundering at the St Lawrence ground will stay with me forever. RIP

Anthony Giddings – Touching tributes from across the cricket world for @kentcricket legend Graham Dilley, RIP.

KENTSPORTSNEWS – It's desperately sad news that former Kent and England bowler Graham Dilley has died at just 52 years old. #kentcricket @kentcricket

Navneet Mundhra – Indian cricket owes Graham Dilley a lot for transforming Zaheer Khan's career at New Road. A coach par excellence!! R.I.P

Warren Jackson – RIP Graham Dilley. Legend. Thanks for everything. @kentcricket #GrahamDilley

Venkatraman Ganesan – Real shocker indeed! He will long be remembered not only for a beautiful bowling action but also his services for the game! RIP

A Question of Sport – Our thoughts go out to Graham Dilley's family, friends and former colleagues – everyone @QofS_Official was extremely saddened by the news

Anthony Giddings – Touching tributes from across the cricket world for @kentcricket legend Graham Dilley, RIP.

FACEBOOK TRIBUTES:

Andrew Stemp – That’s terrible news condolences to his family

Peter Graham Guise – Sad news indeed. Thank you Graham for such happy cricket memories. Bowling an Aussie opener first ball in Canterbury Cricket Week and ensuring Botham's Test became memorable, your contribution to THAT partnership too often forgotten. RIP.

Shehzad Akram – We will remember him forever sad to hear

Barry Brewer – So very sad, along with Knotty he was one of myfavouriteKent players of all time; my thoughts are with his family.

Iain Stuart Warburton – VERY SAD NEWS ONE OF KENT’S GREATS, RIP

Jim Wolfe – Sad indeed. A great player who will be missed by many.

Mark Webster – Geez, this is dreadfully sad news

Nicholas C. Walkom – Very sad news indeed! A fine player and my thoughts go out to his family!

Paul Judd – One of Kent's legends R.I.P. Graham

Dan Pocock – A true legend of the game! Will be sadly missed by this Kent exile. RIP.

Craig Logan – Very Sad .A top fast bowler for both Kent and England and by all accounts a modest genuine guy.R.I.P. Graham.

Steve Holness – Sad news a true Kent & England great. Will always remember Lillie caught Willey bowled Dilley!