Former England captain and cricket pundit Bob Willis has died at the age of 70.
The pace bowler played 90 Tests for England and has been a popular figure in broadcasting since his retirement in 1984.
It is understood Willis, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago, had begun to deteriorate in health over the last two months, with a recent scan revealing the cancer had advanced.
Willis’ family said in a statement: “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.
“Bob is survived by his wife Lauren, daughter Katie, brother David and sister Ann.
“The Willis family has asked for privacy at this time to mourn the passing of a wonderful man and requests that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Prostate Cancer UK.”
It is understood Ian Botham went to see his former team-mate earlier this week, with fellow former England players John Lever and David Brown visiting on Wednesday before Willis died.
Willis’ most famous moment as a player came in the 1981 Ashes series as his eight for 43 fired England to a remarkable win in the third Test at Headingley.
He is England’s fourth highest wicket-taker of all time with 325 wickets.
Willis’ former county Surrey paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “All at Surrey County Cricket Club are devastated to learn of the passing of former Surrey and England bowler Bob Willis.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Former England fast bowler Darren Gough said Willis was “hugely admired”.
“As a player he had a big heart, he’d run in, nearly 6ft 6ins, and hit the pitch hard. At his peak was one of the best three bowlers in the world,” Gough said on Talksport.
“He was hugely admired all around the world. Everybody knew who he was.
“If you just saw him on TV people might think he’s a bit straight, but in his company over a glass of wine he would make you laugh all night.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board said that “cricket had lost a dear friend”.
“The ECB is deeply saddened to say farewell to Bob Willis, a legend of English cricket, at the age of 70,” a statement read.
“Bob spearheaded the England bowling attack for more than a decade and took 325 Test wickets.
“He will always be remembered for his outstanding cricket career, in particular his eight for 43 in the dramatic Headingley Test victory over Australia in 1981.
“In later years as a broadcaster Bob was a perceptive and respected voice at the microphone. We are forever thankful for everything he has done for the game.
“Everyone at the ECB sends sincere condolences to his family. Cricket has lost a dear friend.”
michael RVC
Roar Pro
Sad loss.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
yep
Linphoma
Guest
Does anyone remember him as the guy who bowled that last ball of the day to Doug Walters on 97 in Perth in 1974, and it was hooked off his nose for six to bring up his hundred?
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
I thought so too. Totally uncalled for.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Great bowler, and did well as captain that 1982-3 tour. But stretching it to say that the top 16 English players went to South Africa on the rebel tour. Only regulars of the Test team the previous season who went to SA were Gooch, Gower, Underwood and Emburey. Gooch had flopped in 81 vs Australia averaging 13 and had a very ordinary career record to that date. Boycott was 42 and Underwood pushing 38, would they even have gone to Australia? Dilley was actually dropped after the famous Headingly Test and was poor when he returned a few months later. He didn’t go on the rebel tour.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
Wanted to dislike him after what he did to us in 81 but he proved impossible too, unlike golden bollocks.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
His debut in Sydney 1970-71 was also mine. Me watching from the Hill of course. I sensed he was something special. He, Snow and Lillee were so exciting to watch. I would see him often over the last couple of years walking by the Thames, presumably for fitness, me on my way to the local. He walked in an odd way that spoke of that weird run up. Loved his work on TV as the grumpy old man. He’ll be missed.
RoshTalks
Roar Rookie
Sadly Bob Willis's best performance was completely overshadowed by another legendary performance... #RIP_Willis
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I remember his first tour of Oz. He came in as a late replacement for Alan Ward who was meant to be the next big thing...really quick. Willis came in with the style and energy of a golden retriever puppy and hair just as disobedient. Who knows how good Ward could have been but Bob took his chance big time. One of the few long term fast bowler captains.
JGK
Roar Guru
A sad loss for cricket. Excellent bowler, excellent commentator. I think he still has the record for most wickets in a career without having a 10 wicket match.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
Sad comment :angry:
badmanners
Roar Rookie
He revelled in the description of his run up as of "A demented chook"! A great player. RIP Bob.
jamesb
Roar Guru
In that Headingley test, he was described as a man possessed in that bowling spell. Wonderful bowler. Probably underrated because he played alongside Botham, who would get all the headlines. Will also miss his commentary too. RIP Bob Willis.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Great bowler. Great man. Sadly missed.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
A Pom that loves Bob. A Pom you could (almost) like.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
I always loved the fact he added Dylan as another middle name because he admired Bob Dylan so much. Farewell Bob :crying:
Linphoma
Guest
I stayed up that night watching, the cricket was so compelling. The Botham knock in its context still the greatest innings I have witnessed within the limits of grainy footage from the day. And that boofy head of Bob Willis pounding in with that outrageous delivery lunge, fall to the left with that huge open delivery of his.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
He was a bit part of those english 80s wins and a key player alongside botham . Sudden passing too early. Have memories watching those tests . RIP bob.
Neville Monkeyrod
Guest
Terrible news. I always liked Bob as a competitor and commentator. It's a real shame he and Graham Dilley have left us, when Ian Botham is still around.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
I had a soft spot for Bob. A real competitor. RIP old mate.