Tuesday 17 March 2015 14:09, UK
Former Yorkshire and England bowler Bob Appleyard has died at the age of 90.
Appleyard played nine Tests, taking 31 wickets at an average of 17.87, and is regarded by many as one of the world's all-time greatest medium-pace bowlers.
Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced on Tuesday that Appleyard, who had been ill for several months, had died.
He did not begin his first-class career until he was 27 and then played for just eight years, between 1950 to 1958.
In that time, though, he was prolific - taking 708 wickets at 15.48.
His Test career spanned just two years, in the mid-1950s, but included an Ashes series victory in Australia under fellow Yorkshireman Len Hutton in 1954-55.
Bradford-born Appleyard's statistics are unmatched by his contemporaries, and stand comparison with the very best from any era.
His bowling style was difficult to define - fast off-breaks, and cutters - but uniquely effective, especially on rain-affected surfaces at a time when wickets were uncovered.
Yorkshire president Dickie Bird is in no doubt about Appleyard's standing, and believes he would have gone on to even greater deeds had his health allowed.
"He didn't play as long as he should, because of the illness. If he had, he would have broken all records - because he was a wonderful bowler," said Bird.
Yorkshire chairman Colin Graves added: "It is desperately sad to have learnt the passing away of Bob Appleyard.
"Bob was tenaciously loyal to the club throughout his lifetime, and an excellent president.
"Without doubt, he'll be remembered as one of Yorkshire cricket's post-war greats. He played for Yorkshire and England with distinction and gave everything to the game.
"For many years, he has been a regular at Headingley, supporting the team. He will be missed at matches this summer.
"I would like to pass on my deepest sympathy to Bob's family."
