Former English cricketer Bob Willis passes away aged 70

Former England captain and fearsome pace bowler Bob Willis passed away aged 70. His family confirmed the news on Wednesday. Willis captained England from 1982 to 1984 and played in 90 Test matches while taking 325 wickets. His greatest on-field moment was taking 8/43 in the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley in 1981 which remains one of the greatest Test matches ever. His teammate Ian Botham later described Willis as a “tremendous trier, a great team man and an inspiration — the only world-class fast bowler in my time as an England player”.

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Playing career

Willis joined England’s 1970–71 tour of Australia as a replacement for the injured Alan Ward and played several warm-up matches for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in December. He made his international debut on 9 January 1971 – the fourth Test of the series. After a promising start, the pacer had to face serious knee injury which kept him out for the most part of 1975. However, he returned with vigour and through sheer willpower extended his career for years to come.

Willis became English Captain for the 1982 India tour of England after Keith Fletcher was sacked. The team was missing openers Graham Gooch and Geoffrey Boycott and spinner Derek Underwood due to their rebel tour commitments. He captained England in 18 Tests. The Test series against West Indies in 1984 proved to be his last.

While Willis featured in 90 Test matches, he also played 64 ODIs. He took 405 international wickets in total. Willis represented both Surrey and Warwickshire in county cricket and finished his career with 899 first-class wickets.

After retiring from cricket, Willis served as a commentator and an analyst.

In a statement to Sky News, Willis’ family said: “We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather. He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly.”