Former England pacer Frank Tyson passes away aged 85

England’s Frank Tyson, rated one of the fastest bowlers of his era, has died in Australia at the age of 85. Tyson played a meager 17 Tests in his worldwide career but took 76 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 18.56.

Tyson’s finest hour came in 1954-55 when he steam-rolled Australia, helping England retain the Ashes.

After a lean first Test when the English were defeated in Brisbane, Tyson took advice and shortened his run up.

He followed that with nine in Melbourne, including a second innings spell where he claimed 7/27. He battled injury throughout his career and retired by the time he was 30.

“Martin Williamson wrote on Cricinfo, In terms of raw, unbridled pace, few bowlers in history can match England’s Frank Tyson…This was no brainless quickie, however – Tyson was a Durham University graduate, and had a penchant for quoting Shakespeare or Wordsworth to batsmen”.

He emigrated to Australia after retiring from Test cricket and was a teacher of English, French and history at Carey Grammar in Melbourne for a period.

Cricketers like Don Bradman, Richie Benaud have conceded that Tyson was the fastest bowler they had seen. He was roped in as a cricket analyst and commentator on Australian Radio for 36 years and engaged in broadcasting duties with Channel Nine from 1979 to 1986.

And, former England Test batsman Mark Butcher posted: “Sad to hear of Frank Tyson’s passing”.

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.

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also tweeted: “Saddened to read of the demise of Frank “Typhoon” Tyson”.