Former England paceman Sir Alec Bedser has died at the age of 91. Bedser passed away late Sunday night following a brief illness. The Surrey fast bowler enjoyed an outstanding career which spanned 21 years and was knighted for his services to cricket in 1996.

"Alec Bedser deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest England bowlers of all time, a master of the craft of seam bowling and a true legend of the game," said ECB chairman Giles Clarke.

Bedser took 1,924 first-class wickets including 236 in 51 Tests for England in a career which lasted from 1949-1960. Bedser made his debut for England at the age of 28 in what was only his 13th first-class match and taking 11 wickets against India. Bedser spearheaded England's attack for most of the following decade, helping them to Ashes victory in 1953.

Before his death he was the last man alive to have taken the wicket of Australian legend Donald Bradman - something he did six times, more than any other cricketer.