Former England captain and fast bowler Bob Willis has passed away at the age of 70. Willis led the English team between 1982 and 1984.
He played 90 Tests and finished his international career with 325 wickets. His most memorable performance came against Australia in 1981. During the third Ashes Test that year, Willis dismantled the Aussies with his lethal bowling and took eight wickets for 43 runs.
At the time of Willis’ retirement, only Australia’s Dennis Lillee had claimed more wickets in Test cricket, and he remains fourth on the all-time list of England wicket-takers after James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Ian Botham.
Cricket fraternity paid tributes to Willis on Twitter:
Great cricketer .. even better bloke RIP Bob pic.twitter.com/nq7TnbpsAg
— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) December 4, 2019
Such a sad time for cricket fans all around the world. Rest In Peace Bob.
You shall be remembered forever for what you have done on the pitch! #BobWillis pic.twitter.com/kpv5BsCyyL
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) December 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/Sdoull/status/1202286646479056896
I wasn’t fortunate enough to see him bowl but loved his sense of humour and insights on the game.
Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bob Willis. #RIPBobWillis— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 5, 2019
Gutted to hear the news of Bob Willis passing. A lovely person with a great humour who was so proud of England cricket. Legend. 🏴🏏 pic.twitter.com/g4AQcnRK4n
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) December 4, 2019
So sad at the news of bob Willis .. may his soul rest in peace .. love to his entire family @bcci @SkyCricket @nassercricket .. india Will miss a stalwart ..
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) December 4, 2019
Incredibly sad to hear the news about Bob Willis. He was a true great, generous in sharing his knowledge about the game and a lovely man. RIP Bob x pic.twitter.com/HYJbLlQJRZ
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) December 4, 2019
Such sad news regarding the legend Bob Willis
An icon of the game I love,growing up as an 11 year old watching big Bob running down the hill 8/43 at the home of cricket Headingley
I’ll miss you Bob
A glass of red will be raised tonight x🏏🙏— Darren Gough MBE (@DGoughie) December 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1202294292619890689
Such sad news about a Bob Willis, the debate will never be the same #RIPBobWillis
— Heather Knight (@Heatherknight55) December 5, 2019
Very sad news to hear the passing of Bob Willis.. One of England’s greatest ever.. Huge heart that was fierce in all battles let alone the Ashes… Only met him a few times but was always a gentlemen and just loved the game of cricket.. #BobWillis #RipBobWillis #England #Great https://t.co/i37YtAmXNe
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) December 4, 2019
Nothing but admiration for Bob Willis. Both as a cricketer and then as a commentator. #RIPBobWillis
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 5, 2019
Saddened at the news of the passing away of #BobWillis. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/OnxnOOkHnR
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 5, 2019
Reat in peace Bob. A true England great. Fantastic player, pundit and a lovely man with a great sense of humour. Love to all his close family and friends as well. #RIPBobWillis pic.twitter.com/6DqHcyDc4y
— Joe Root (@root66) December 4, 2019
Sad to hear of the passing away of Bob Willis. Condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/yojWND9o3x
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 4, 2019
Saddening to hear of the passing of Bob Willis. Condolences to his family.#RIPBobWillis
— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) December 4, 2019
Such sad news. Bob was an English legend, inspired a generation of fast bowlers around the world & was a good bloke. RIP mate #bobwillis #RIPBob #englandcricket #FBC https://t.co/jaSc72VIPW
— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) December 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/AllanDonald33/status/1202274978990886912
https://twitter.com/AlexHales1/status/1202328706229911552
