LONDON: Former England cricket captain and 1981 Ashes hero Bob Willis passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness, his family said in a statement.
“Everyone at the ECB sends sincere condolences to his family. Cricket has lost a dear friend,” England Cricket Board (ECB) said on their website in a tribute to the cricketer, who was 70.
The fast-bowler played in 90 Tests and 64 One-day internationals for England over more than a decade after his debut in 1971.
“We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather. We will miss him,” Sky Sports TV quoted the family as saying in a statement.
Willis, who retired in 1984, ended his Test career with 325 wickets, and later worked as a cricket expert after his retirement.
“We’re very sad to hear of the passing of MCC Honorary Life Member, Bob Willis,” Lord’s Cricket Ground tweeted.
A Lord’s legend & former England captain, Willis’s name is on the Honours Boards three times.
Willis is fourth on the all-time list of England wicket-takers after Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ian Botham.
His sterling performance in the 1981 Ashes series against Australia, where he took eight wickets for 43 runs in the third test at Headingley, became part of cricket folklore along with Botham’s match-saving batting.
“He will always be remembered for his outstanding cricket career, in particular his 8-43 in the dramatic Headingley Test victory over Australia in 1981,” the ECB said. “We are forever thankful for everything he has done for the game.”
