LEGENDARY England and Worcestershire cricketer Graham Dilley has died following a short battle with cancer.

We reported yesterday that the 52-year-old had been admitted to hospital with a serious illness, and later reported the sad news of his death.

His death was announced by the England Cricket Board which released a statement just after 1pm.

Tributes to Mr Dilley were lead by his son Chris Pennell, captain of Worcester Warriors Rugby Club.

He said on Twitter: “RIP Graham Dilley, amazing cricketer, top bloke, loving son and our proud father. In the pub having a beer for him now! Will be missed always.”

The words Graham Dilley have been trending worldwide on the social networking site almost 24 hours since the sad announcement.

David Leatherdale, Worcestershire County Cricket Club chief executive said he only learned the seriousness of Mr Dilley’s illness on Monday.

Mr Dilley was part of a golden generation at New Road between 1987 and 1992, helping them win the County Championship in 1988 and 1989.

He was most recently working as head cricket coach at Loughborough University.

He played 41 Test matches and 36 One Day Internationals for England and will be remembered as one of the heroes of the unlikely Ashes win at Headingley in 1981 – sharing a crucial eighth wicket partnership with Ian Botham.

He also took a great boundary catch to dismiss Rod Marsh.

Mr Leatherdale said yesterday: “Having had the pleasure of playing in the same team as Graham in the late 80s, it is a very sad day for both the club and cricket as a whole.

"Graham was well liked by all his fellow team-mates of that time and the 1,000s of members and supporters at Worcestershire and was an integral part of the team during probably the most successful period for Worcestershire cricket.

"His record speaks for itself and nobody can forget his contribution to the famous 1981 Ashes series victory against Australia.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this sad and difficult time.”

• Please leave your tributes to Mr Dilley below.

Tributes to a legend

NEWS of Graham Dilley’s death was met with sadness and shock throughout the cricketing world with many stars of the current England team paying tribute.

Former colleague Ian Botham, who shared success with Mr Dilley at club and country, said the fast bowler was “one of the best”.

He said: “I’ve got so many fond memories of him. He was a fantastic cricketer who had a lot of talent.

"He was plagued with injuries, his neck and knees, which probably stopped him playing a lot more for England, but on his day he was the best.

“I had a lot of great times with him. He had a great sense of humour, he always wanted to be part of the party and join in.

“He was a good bloke to be around. He was quite quiet and reserved until you got to know him, he wasn’t a great social person until you got to know him, but then he was the life and soul of the party.

“It’s a very sad day.”

Current England batsman Kevin Pietersen said on his Twitter page: “What an amazing guy Graham Dilley was. Always smiling and always helping spread his knowledge about our great game. RIP Dill!!! Sad.”

Fast bowler Stuart Broad said: “Very sad to hear about Graham Dilley.

“Wonderful fast bowler and lovely man. 52 is too young. RIP.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan was also shocked by the news. He wrote: “Absolutely Gutted. RIP Graham Dilley.”

Avid cricket fan and broadcaster Stephen Fry posted: “So sorry to hear of the early death of England bowler Graham Dilley. Will never forget his catch in the Headingley 81 Ashes test.”

England Cricket Board chief executive David Collier said Mr Dilley made a huge contribution to the sport as player and a coach.

He said: “Graham made a life-long contribution to the game of cricket at all levels and we are deeply saddened by the sad news.

“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.”

Life and times of a sporting start

• Born in Dartford, Kent, in May 1959.
• First Class debut for Kent in 1977 aged 18.
• Test debut for England v Australia in December 1979.
• Scorecard in second innings of the match featurs the famous - Lillee, c Willey, b Dilley.
• Plays part in Ashes victories of 1981 and 1986/7.
• Plays in 41 Tests taking 138 wickets at an average of 29.76.
• Plays in 36 ODIs taking 48 wickets at an average of 26.89.
• Signs for Worcestershire in 1987 and helps the county win four trophies.
• Retires from first-class cricket 1992.
• Accompanies England on their tour to India in 2001 as a coach.
• Works as head cricket coach at Loughborough University in 2000-2001.