Former England fast bowler Tyson dies aged 85

His former county confirmed the news on their website on Sunday morning, saying Tyson had passed away in hospital in Australia after being in poor health for some time. Tyson played a meager 17 Tests in his global career but took 76 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 18.56.

Over the course of that tour he took 28 wickets in all, at an average of 20.82 as England claimed a 3-1 win. He shipped 160 runs for just one wicket as England lost the opening Test in Brisbane but then chose to shorten his run-up, with devastating results. A bowler capable of generating searing pace, Frank Tyson aptly earned the sobriquet, “Typhoon Tyson”.

Tyson was born in 1930 in Farnworth, Lancashire and graduated in English literature from Durham University.

That second-innings spell in Melbourne is still regarded by those who witnessed it as being one of the quickest to be bowled in Test cricket history. He battled injury throughout his career and retired by the time he was 30.

Tyson emigrated to Australia and became a school teacher at Melbourne’s Carey Baptist Grammar School where he taught English, French, History and mentored a school cricket team that featured future Australian captain Graham Yallop.

“Sad to hear that Frank Tyson has passed away”.

Upon his retirement in 1987, Tyson was awarded Cricket Victoria Life Membership in recognition of his successful efforts in pioneering a “coaching the coaches” development program.

Former Australian batsman Dean Jones paid tribute to Tyson on social media. “Terrific cricketer. Terrific bloke”. He was also a long-term cricket commentator on radio and Channel Nine.