Sporting icons: Bob Willis - Career highlights & video of England fast bowling legend

 

Bob Willis, born Robert George Dylan Willis, came into the world on May 30, 1949, in Sunderland, County Durham, England. He grew to become one of England's most revered fast bowlers in cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

### Early Life and Career Beginnings

Willis was educated at the Royal Grammar School in Guildford. He began playing cricket at a young age and showcased his talent early on, which led to his selection for the Surrey County Cricket Club.

### County Cricket

Bob Willis started his county cricket career with Surrey in 1969. He later moved to Warwickshire in 1972, where he spent the majority of his domestic career. At Warwickshire, Willis developed into a formidable fast bowler, known for his height, pace, and ability to generate bounce.

### International Career

Willis made his Test debut for England against Australia in 1971. His international career spanned over 13 years, during which he played 90 Test matches and took 325 wickets at an average of 25.20. Some of his career highlights include:

1. **The 1981 Ashes Series (Botham's Ashes):** This series is perhaps the most famous period of Willis's career. In the third Test at Headingley, Leeds, Willis took 8 wickets for 43 runs in the second innings, helping England secure a remarkable victory after following on. This performance was crucial in England winning the series 3-1.

2. **Captaincy:** Willis captained the England team from 1982 to 1984. Although his captaincy was not as successful in terms of victories, he was respected for his leadership and determination.

3. **ODI Career:** Willis also had a significant impact in One Day Internationals (ODIs), playing 64 matches and taking 80 wickets. He was part of the England squad that reached the final of the 1979 Cricket World Cup.

Bob Willis was renowned for his distinct bowling style, which combined raw pace, height, and aggression. Here are the key characteristics of his bowling style:

### Bowling Action

- **Run-Up:** Willis had a long and energetic run-up. He would start his run from quite a distance, building up speed as he approached the crease. This lengthy run-up was crucial in generating the momentum needed for his fast deliveries.

- **High Arm Action:** Willis utilized a high arm action, which helped him achieve extra bounce from the pitch. His height (6 feet 6 inches) further accentuated this bounce, making it difficult for batsmen to handle his deliveries.

- **Smooth Delivery Stride:** Despite the long run-up, his delivery stride was smooth and well-coordinated, allowing him to maintain balance and control while delivering the ball at high speeds.

### Bowling Attributes

- **Pace:** Willis was consistently quick, often clocking speeds that troubled batsmen. His ability to bowl fast was one of his most significant assets.

- **Bounce:** His height and high arm action allowed him to extract significant bounce from even the flattest of pitches. This made him particularly dangerous on pitches with any assistance for fast bowlers.

- **Swing:** Willis could move the ball both ways, adding an element of unpredictability to his deliveries. He was adept at swinging the ball both in the air and off the seam.

- **Aggression:** Known for his aggressive and competitive nature on the field, Willis often bowled intimidating spells, using his pace and bounce to unsettle batsmen.

- **Stamina and Endurance:** His fitness and stamina were commendable, enabling him to bowl long spells and maintain his pace throughout a match. This was particularly evident in his marathon efforts during Test matches.

### Notable Performances

Willis's bowling style was showcased to devastating effect in several matches, most notably during the 1981 Ashes series. His 8 for 43 at Headingley remains one of the finest examples of fast bowling in cricket history. His ability to bowl consistently at high speeds, generate bounce, and maintain accuracy made him a formidable opponent for any batsman.

In summary, Bob Willis's bowling style was characterized by a long run-up, high arm action, significant pace, and the ability to generate bounce and swing. These attributes, combined with his aggressive on-field demeanor, established him as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers of his era.

### Retirement and Legacy

Willis retired from international cricket in 1984 and from all forms of cricket in 1985. After his playing career, he became a respected cricket commentator and pundit, working with Sky Sports and other media outlets. His insights and forthright opinions made him a prominent figure in the cricketing community post-retirement.

### Honours and Recognition

Willis was honored with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to cricket. He is remembered not only for his on-field performances but also for his contributions to the game off the field, particularly in his role as a commentator and analyst.

### Death

Bob Willis passed away on December 4, 2019, at the age of 70, after a battle with prostate cancer. His death was a significant loss to the cricketing world, and he is remembered as one of England's greatest fast bowlers.

### Personal Life

Off the field, Willis was known for his love of music, particularly Bob Dylan, after whom he was partially named. He was also an advocate for cancer awareness following his diagnosis.

Bob Willis's legacy in cricket is defined by his exceptional skill as a fast bowler, his memorable performances, particularly in the 1981 Ashes series, and his contributions to the sport as a commentator and analyst.

In the below video watch Willis' legendary bowling spell in the 1981 Ashes