SYDNEY -- Harold Larwood, England's demon fast bowler of the early 1930s, has died in Australia at age 90.


Larwood, who died Saturday in Sydney, immortalized himself in cricketing history with a technique of "bodyline" bowling which almost soured relations between Britain and Australia.


His menacing short-pitched deliveries aimed at the body were hurled at the end of a long run-up, at speeds estimated at 160 kph, to intimidate the facing batsman.


During England's 1932 to 1933 tour of Australia, Larwood's aggressive bowling earned him a record 33 wickets in five tests but caused alarm.


Bodyline was eventually outlawed. Larwood was made something of a scapegoat for the bodyline controversy and never played for his country again.


His contribution to cricket was finally recognized 60 years later. He was awarded the Member of the British Empire decoration last September.


Larwood retired from cricket in 1938 and 12 years later moved to Australia with his wife and their five daughters.


Born in Nuncargate, Nottinghamshire, on Nov. 14, 1904, he began work as a coalminer at the age of 14. A year later he was playing for the village second team as a fast bowler.


At 18 he joined the ground staff of the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club where he perfected the renowned 12-meter run-up.


He made his first trip to Australia in 1928 and in one game took six wickets for 32 runs and scored 70 runs. Four years later he was back in Australia for what was to be the most controversial England-Australia series of all time.


Top Australian batsman Don Bradman remarked after the tour: "How he ever stood the strain of bowling at such terrific speed match after match, I don't know. It was amazing."