An Australian cricketer who played in Telford for three years has died after a long battle with a brain tumour.

Mike Brennan, 33, who died on Saturday at his home in Queensland, played cricket as St Georges Cricket Club, Church Street, Telford, from 2002 to 2004.

The much-loved amateur sportsman, affectionately nicknamed ‘big man’, has been honoured by the club who have named an annual competition after him.

Mike Waldron, secretary of St Georges Cricket Club, said: “He came over to play cricket for the club. I think probably the highlight was his very last game for us in the final of the Shropshire Knockout, we played Wellington who were at the time reigning league champions.

“He scored about 80-something not out. He played a big part in winning that game for us. As well as being a fine all-round cricketer, Mike was an inspirational character during his time with the club, both for his younger team-mates and also for many members of our junior section, where he performed an active role.

“He was a very popular figure and he and his wife Madonna made many friends.”

Shortly after leaving St Georges in 2004, Mr Brennan was diagnosed with a brain tumour which he fought for several years.

“He was a carpenter by trade and did a few odd jobs around the club,” added Mr Waldon. “He came over to experience a different lifestyle, lots of players come from all over the world to play cricket in the UK.

“One of his enduring legacies is the six-a-side fun competition which he was instrumental in inaugurating. This is now held each year on the Sunday of the August holiday weekend. It will henceforth be known as the ‘Brennan Six-a-Side’.

“Our thoughts and sympathies go to his family.”