That's terrible. A big hero of mine as a kid. Remember his early call up for tour to Australia in 1979 aged about 20. Saw him play for Dartford also with neil Taylor. Supposed to have challenged Botham to a hitting contest at Headingly 1981, the rest is history.
Played against him at school level when we were both 15. Needless to say he was quick then but when he hit me on the hip I didn't seem to feel a thing at first. That was until the numbness wore off! He also scored 102 n.o. in the game out of their total of 135 and I missed running him out when he was on 20.
Followed his career from then on and was as interested as his performance at Headingly '81 as I was with Botham's.
Well that is very sad - same age as me. I remember watching him for Kent and England. He was genuinely fast with quite a chest on action. He was one of those rare cricketers who bowled right and batted left handed.
I shall never forget "Botham's" Ashes in 1981 and the Headingley test when from a hopeless position Beefy and Picca put the Aussie attach to the sword. Dilley got his maiden test 50 with some crunching drives off the back foot through extra cover. England edged a lead of over 100 and then Willis bowled them out.
Graham always seemed to be such an athlete - now he's gone.
Very sad. A crowd of us used to play cricket and football on Dartford Heath/Crayford Corner when we were nippers including Graham and his brother Brian. I seem to remember his dad had something to do with Dartford Nomads CC that played matches on the Heath.
My assistant at work Alan used to coach Graham as a kid at Meopham CC....his son knew Graham very well when they were junior league players........they are both very shocked and saddened.
Alan phoned his son at work to let him know.
I remember Grahams exploits as if it were yesterday.
What absolutely shocking news. Graham was a great player for Kent & England. His performance in the Headingley Test in 1981 will ensure that he is never forgotten. RIP
Comments
Second only to Mick Jagger
Lillee c Willey b Dilley……………….
RIP Picca
Followed his career from then on and was as interested as his performance at Headingly '81 as I was with Botham's.
RIP Graham.
what was wrong with him ?
anyone know ?
Headingley 81 legendary
loved his delayed in the air front foot and back foot drag as he delivered the ball
RIP
Many, many an hour as a kid watching him on TV.
Terrible news.
RIP.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbupHic3wp0&feature=related
Got his England cap before his Kent cap if memory serves me right.
He was genuinely quick and, for such a relatively inexperienced player, never seemed overawed by test cricket unlike many.
Very sad news at only 52.
RIP
Indeed
My assistant at work Alan used to coach Graham as a kid at Meopham CC....his son knew Graham very well when they were junior league players........they are both very shocked and saddened.
Alan phoned his son at work to let him know.
I remember Grahams exploits as if it were yesterday.
RIP Graham old son....RIP.
Top man - opened our school astro turf wicket with Knotty
May he R.I.P.