Scots stars’ memories of mentor

SCOTLAND’S cricketers last night revealed their memories of Graham Dilley and John Blain said that the Ashes hero had been an inspiration to him.

Dilley, who died yesterday at the age of 52, made a major impression as Scotland’s bowling coach at the 1999 World Cup. He had been drafted in to prepare the international rookies for their first-ever appearance at the sport’s biggest tournament. And Blain, then a raw teenage fast bowler, benefited from working with the former England quick, going on to have the best strike rate of any bowler at the World Cup.

Blain, who went on to earn more than 100 caps for Scotland, said: “The 1999 World Cup was my first experience of a big tournament at senior level and Graham’s support was invaluable.

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

Blain, now a coach at Yorkshire, added: “Working with Graham was my first real encounter with an elite level and experienced fast bowling coach. He gave me such a hunger to kick on.”

More recently, Dilley was head cricket coach at Loughborough University, where he helped current Scotland fast bowler Ali Evans.

Evans, tipped for a career in county cricket, said: “Graham Dilley played a major part in my development both on and off the pitch. He was a great inspiration as a coach and as a person.

“He had a golden knack of bringing the best out in people and will be sorely missed.”