England great statham dies

With yorkshire’s fred trueman he formed one of test cricket’s most impressive new ball pairings, statham’s relentless accuracy the perfect foil for the more flamboyant trueman.

After hearing of statham’s passing trueman said: "I knew him for 50 years and we never had a wrong word".

There was a minute’s silence at old trafford before the national league game between lancashire and worcestershire today after it was announced that statham has passed away peacefully at his home.

Statham first played for lancashire on his 20th birthday, starting an 18-year-long county career in which he played 430 matches and took 1,816 wickets at an average of 15.12.

"This is very sad news," said trueman, who had been told that statham was ill in February but kept his promise to keep the news quiet.

"I telephoned two weeks ago and he was not very well and I was intending to ring back today.

"I want to sit back on my own for a little while and reminisce about the great days."

Sport-statham 2 last

The great days included a total of 559 test wickets between them, a figure few of today’s test bowlers could match even though they play far more games.

Statham, nicknamed ‘gentleman George’ because of his modest demeanour and chivalrous approach, used his bouncer sparingly, content to take wickets without any macho posturing.

His passing offers a stark contrast to the disgraced figure of hansie cronje, whose reputation is currently being ripped apart in South Africa.

"Brian had the same opinion as me," said trueman. "Neither of us were surprised about what is happening anymore.

"He was a top class man and I have some great memories and stories which I will keep with me forever.

"He was a beautiful bowler, an absolutely superb player.

"He was my friend and room-mate for so many years. We travelled together, shared bedrooms together and talked about everything.

"In 50 years we never had a wrong word and for me and everyone connected with the game at that time, this is terrible news."

Jim cumbes, lancashire’s Chief executive, said Sunday: "brian passed away peacefully at his home."

His two benefits in 1961 and 1969 netted a total of 15,000 pounds but he did not make a fortune from the game and in 1989 trueman discovered that statham was in Financial trouble and organised two testimonial dinners for him.