Ex-England cricketer killed in blaze at flat

Bailey, 87, was found dead by firefighters after the blaze in Westcliff, Essex, shortly after 6am.

Firefighters said an investigation into the cause of the blaze was under way, although sources said the fire was not suspicious.

Firefighters said three crews were called to the blaze and Bailey’s elderly wife was rescued. Bailey was found dead in the kitchen, said sources.

“Crews did a fantastic job getting into the property quickly and searching through the smoke to find the woman,” said divisional officer Bob Wahl.

“She was in bed with the door shut and so that’s probably what saved her.

“Firefighters carried her out of the property and she was left in the care of paramedics.

“Her husband had gone to the kitchen, which is where crews found him. Unfortunately there was nothing we could do.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”

Bailey won 61 Test caps between 1949 and 1959, played county cricket for Essex for more than 20 years and went on to become a commentator on the BBC Radio’s Test Match Special programme.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke led tributes.

“Trevor Bailey was not only one of the finest all-round cricketers this country has ever produced, he was also someone who made an enormous contribution to the game as an administrator and as a writer and broadcaster,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Sir John Major said: “Trevor was a great servant of English cricket – a fine bowler and a team player.

“He has certainly earned his place in the history of English cricket.”