Ashes icon Graham Dilley suffered financial issues before his death in October 2011. The former England bowler, who died aged 52, is best remembered for his heroics alongside Ian Botham during the third test of the 1981 Ashes series.
Dilley had taken 12 wickets during the first two tests before producing an unforgettable batting partnership at Headingley. England had been forced to follow on and were trailing by 92 on 135-7 when Dilley began his partnership with Botham. With all hope seemingly lost, Dilley earned 56 as part of a 117-run pairing to help put his team in front, with England going on to defend 130 to win the match. Despite later being dropped from the series-winning side, Dilley’s display is still celebrated. However, the extent of the former fast bowler’s financial difficulties emerged following his short battle with cancer.
In 2012, the Daily Mail reported that Dilley had died “enniless after his finances were revealed. Probate records showed there was nothing left in his will once debts and other issues were settled.
The report claimed that Dilley, who retired from cricket in 1992, had signed on the dole in 1996 after struggling to find coaching work. He also sold his cricket blazers to raise funds.
The executor of Dilley’s estate said: “He led a frugal and reclusive life when not on the field. His flat was in negative equity. Once everything was settled there were no positive funds left.”
When discussing his post-retirement life in 2001, Dilley had said, “You can make it sound tragic, a sportsman who’s been kicked in the teeth. But that’s not the truth. I made a few bad decisions and suffered the consequences.”
Dilley was twice divorced and survived by four sons, including former England rugby international Chris Pennell. Dilley worked as a coach for England Women, Scotland and Zimbabwe, with his last role being head coach at Loughborough University.
Former Kent and Worcestershire bowler Dilley played 41 tests and 36 One Day Internationals for his country, making his test debut as a 20-year-old. However, his career was hampered by frequent injuries.
Speaking after Dilley’s death, Botham said of his former teammate: “I’ve got so many fond memories of him. He ran in to bowl in the Caribbean, first ball, and the heel fell off his boot. Typical Graham, he’s only brought one pair with him on an England tour so there was panic there, but he was a fantastic cricketer who had a lot of talent.
“He was plagued with injuries, his neck and knees, which probably stopped him playing a lot more for England, but on his day he was the best.”