Cricket: Scots remember Dilley

Scottish cricket today joined mourning for England Ashes bowling hero Graham Dilley, who has died aged 52.

Dilley was a key member of head coach Jim Love’s backroom team when Scotland made a World Cup debut in 1999.

John Blain, from Penicuik, who finished the group stage as top wicket-taker, recalls: “Working with Graham was my first real encounter with an elite level and an experienced fast bowling coach. He gave me such a hunger to kick on.

“He always told me to soak up the atmosphere and to bowl with aggression and freedom. It was great advice.”

Dilley recently worked at Loughborough University where he took under his wing Scotland and Carlton bowler Ally Evans, who said: “Graham had a golden knack of bringing the best out of people.”