Frank “Typhoon” Tyson, the fastest bowler in the world during his peak and for some the fastest there has been, has died. Tyson played a meager 17 Tests in his worldwide career but took 76 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 18.56.
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One of Tyson’s most memorable performances came in the 1954-55 Ashes in Australia, in which he picked up 28 wickets in five Tests, at an average of 20.82, helping England achieve a 3-1 win and formed a potent new-ball partnership with Brian Statham in the series. He shipped 160 runs for just one wicket as England lost the opening Test in Brisbane but then chose to shorten his run-up, with devastating results. The English bowler who was most reputed for his terror-inflicting raw pace, lived in Australia in the latter part of his life. “Throughout his career he struck fear into the hearts of batsmen around the globe”. He later became a commentator and was also known as a successful cricket writer.
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.
Tyson also spent time coaching Victoria’s state team before retiring to the Gold Coast, where he died after a long battle with illness.
Australian captain, allrounder and former fellow Nine commentator, the late Richie Benaud, rated Tyson the quickest bowler he had seen.
The England Test champion passed away in hospital on Australia’s Gold Coast. Ex Vic coach. I was his student for a few of his books.
Former Australian batsman Dean Jones paid tribute to Tyson on social media.
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Tyson was also a force to reckon with in First-Class cricket.
