Fred Trueman, 75; was cricket star

LONDON -- Fred Trueman, a cricket star often called England's greatest fast bowler, died yesterday. He was 75.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in May and died in a hospital, his home club Yorkshire said on its website.

``We have lost a great friend and a great cricketer," former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd said.

Mr. Trueman was the first bowler to take 300 test wickets, finishing with 307. He also claimed more than 2,000 wickets for Yorkshire from 1949-69.

``You hear a lot about how good certain fast bowlers have been but this fellow was really the best, there is absolutely no doubt about that," former Yorkshire and England captain Ray Illingworth said.

After retiring from the game, Mr. Trueman enjoyed a successful career as a cricket commentator.