Kent County Cricket Club are mourning their former bowler Graham Dilley who died on Wednesday after a short illness. He was 52.

Dilley (pictured) played 109 first class matches for Kent, taking 257 wickets at 27.80, and 103 one-day matches, taking 131 wickets at 22.03.

He also played 41 Test matches and 36 one-day internationals for England during a 10- year international career which encompassed two Ashes wins in 1981 and 1986-87.

One of the quickest bowlers of his generation, Dilley took 138 Test wickets at 29.78 for his country, but his best remembered contribution to the England cause came with the bat – supporting Ian Botham in a 117-run partnership which helped England to a famous Ashes Test win over Australia at Headingley in 1981.

After retiring, he moved into coaching and enjoyed spells as an assistant coach with the England men’s team and bowling coach to the England women’s team, before taking up a position as head cricket coach at Loughborough University.

Kent chairman George Kennedy led the tributes, saying: “The entire club are saddened by the passing of Graham, who served Kent with great distinction during his time here. Our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time.”

Kent players Rob Key and Geraint Jones paid tribute to Dilley on Twitter in the hours after his death.

Key said: “So sad that Graham Dilley has passed away. Really enjoyed his company. He was a fantastic man, thoughts go to his family,” while Jones wrote: "Crushing news about Graham Dilley, lovely man. Really enjoyed talking with him during Kent v Loughborough fixture over last few years."

The county's high performance director Simon Willis tweeted: “Very sad news about fellow Dartford CC and Kent CCC player Graham Dilley. Appreciated the discussions and advice over the years.”