Cricket's Bearded Wonder dies at 69

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Frindall was the Test Match Special scorer from 1966 and was christened "The Bearded Wonder" by late commentator Brian Johnston for his encyclopaedic knowledge of cricket facts.

It is believed the 69-year-old contracted the disease in Dubai, where he had been on a tour with the cricket charity, the Lord's Taverners.

It is not known where he contracted the disease, although the hotel he was staying at has launched an investigation.

The five-star Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina said three guests had contracted the bacteria and that it was conducting tests with the European Working Group for Legionella Infections and the Federation of Tour Operators to establish its source.

Frindall travelled to Dubai with the Lord's Taverners on January 14, returning to the UK on January 20.

In a statement, the charity said Frindall was in Dubai "scoring and commentating with irrepressible good humour" as a Lord's Taverners XI played two matches against a Fly Emirates XI.

It expressed its sorrow at the news of his death, adding that all members of the touring party have been informed and that it was not aware of any other member showing symptoms of Legionnaires' Disease.

Political satirist Rory Bremner, who took part in the charity match, said: "Cricket has lost its living archive and one of its greatest cricketers."

Gordon Turnbull, the head of BBC Radio Sport, said: "Bill was an iconic figure in the Test Match Special commentary box and was the sport's most celebrated and respected statistician."