Kent Cricket Chairman, George Kennedy has paid tribute to former Kent, Worcestershire and England bowler Graham Dilley who has died aged 52 after a short illness.

Dilley appeared in 109 first class matches for Kent, taking 257 wickets at 27.80, and 103 one day matches, taking 131 wickets at 22.03.

He also played 41 Test Matches and 36 One-Day Internationals for England during a ten year international career which encompassed two Ashes wins in 1981 and 1986-87.

One of the quickest bowlers of his generation, Dilley took 138 Test wickets at 29.78 for his country, but his best remembered contribution to the England cause came with the bat – supporting Ian Botham in a 117-run partnership which helped England to a famous Ashes Test win over Australia at Headingley in 1981.

After retiring, he moved into coaching and enjoyed spells as an Assistant Coach with the England Men’s team and Bowling Coach to the England Women’s team before taking up a position as Head Cricket Coach at Loughborough University.

George Kennedy paid tribute to Graham Dilley, commenting; “The entire Club are saddened by the passing of Graham, who served Kent with great distinction during his time here. Our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time.”

ECB Chief Executive David Collier also commented: “Graham made a life-long contribution to the game of cricket at all levels and we are deeply saddened by the sad news this morning . He will be fondly remembered for his contributions both as a player and a coach.

Graham inspired many young cricketers through the University programme and was a highly respected coach to our representative teams. Few will forget his contribution during the historic Ashes win at Headingley in 1981 and the part he played in two Ashes series victories. Graham will be sadly missed by all his friends throughout cricket and ECB sends our deepest condolences to Graham’s family.”

ECB Managing Director, Hugh Morris said: “This is very sad news for Graham’s many friends and colleagues in cricket both in this country and overseas. As well as being a bowler of the highest class, Graham made an immense contribution to our game as a coach and his ability to impart his knowledge and wisdom to future generations of young cricketers will be sorely missed.“

Kent players have added their thoughts using twitter to share their condolences for the former Kent bowler.

Kent captain Rob Key tweeted: “So sad that Graham Dilley has passed away. Really enjoyed his company. He was a fantastic man, thoughts go to his family,” while Geraint Jones tweeted: “Crushing news about Graham Dilley, lovely man. Really enjoyed talking with him during Kent v Loughborough fixture over last few years.”

The county’s high performance director Simon Willis tweeted: “Very sad news about fellow Dartford CC and Kent CCC player Graham Dilley. Appreciated the discussions and advice over the years.”

Kent youngsters Sam Billings and Adam Riley have also expressed their sadness at the loss of Dilley with Billings tweeting: “RIP Graham Dilley, great inspiration, great coach and most of all a great friend. will be sorely missed.” and” devastated about dill, 3 weeks ago I was having a drink with him… Rip legend of the game and a great friend! Uni coach, done a lot 4 me.”

Meanwhile, Adam Riley had this to say of Dilley who he had also worked with at Loughborough University: “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.”