BOLTON-born former England and Northamptonshire fast bowler Frank Tyson has died at the age of 85.

His former county confirmed the news on their website yesterday morning, saying Tyson had passed away in hospital in Australia after being in poor health for some time.

Nicknamed ‘Typhoon’ for his extreme pace, he was one of the quickest bowlers to have played the game.

Tyson’s exploits in the 1954-55 Ashes in Australia, in which he picked up 28 wickets in five Tests, is what he is likely to be remembered for most.

Born in Farnworth, Tyson went on to play 170 matches for Northamptonshire, claiming 525 wickets at 20.94 apiece.

He was also a useful lower-order batsman with nine half-centuries to his credit for the county.

The outstanding moment of an international career which saw him take a total of 76 wickets in 17 Tests came with the 28-wicket haul Down Under in a series England won 3-1.

It included him claiming 10 wickets in the second Test at Sydney, as well as seven for 27 in Australia’s second innings in the next match at Melbourne, and made him a national sporting celebrity.

After retiring due to injury at the age of 30 in 1960, Tyson emigrated to Australia where he became headmaster of a school for a time.

He also coached and was a commentator and a successful writer.

Northamptonshire said: “Northants Cricket offers sincere condolences to Frank’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said: “Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson will forever be remembered as a great of English cricket.”