Robert George Dylan Willis, also known as Bob Willis, was an English cricketer who was widely regarded as one of the most courageous fast bowlers in the history of the sport. Born on May 30, 1949, in Sunderland, England, Willis made significant contributions to English cricket during his career, demonstrating unwavering determination, aggression, and willpower despite battling injuries.
Willis faced a major setback in 1975 when he underwent operations on both knees at the age of 26. From that point on, he endured constant pain while bowling but refused to let it hinder his performance. In fact, he went to the extent of running five miles every day to strengthen himself just to continue playing. Such was his dedication to the sport that he managed to sustain his career for another nine years despite the physical challenges he faced.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Willis represented England in a total of 90 Test matches, during which he amassed an impressive tally of 325 wickets. This achievement further solidified his reputation as one of the all-time great fast bowlers.
It was fitting that Willis’ final significant match was played for England. However, it proved to be a bittersweet moment as the 1984 West Indian assault, indicating the end of his career, took place at Headingley, the same venue where he had achieved his legendary bowling figures of 8 for 43 against Australia in the famous Botham Test three years earlier.
Standing at an imposing height of 6 feet 6 inches, Willis possessed a lanky frame with sharp knees and elbows, complemented by a cascade of curly, brownish-auburn hair. He was known for his unique and intimidating style, charging down a 30-yard approach with his flapping arms.
In terms of sheer pace, Willis was only surpassed by Frank Tyson among England’s postwar bowlers. His aggression and determination on the field made him a formidable opponent for any batsman. Even the great Fred Trueman, an iconic figure in English cricket, paled in comparison to Willis’ intimidating presence.
Following his retirement from professional cricket, Willis transitioned into the media. He formed a successful partnership with Ian Botham for Sky Sports, where he worked as a commentator for many years. Although his laconic style of commentary did not appeal to all, those who knew him recognized the sharp and humorous individual lurking just beneath the surface. However, in 2006, Willis found himself relegated to secondary commentary duties. This setback led him to assume an even more successful role as an acerbic pundit on the channel’s post-match show, “Verdict,” where he embraced his doom-mongering persona.
Sadly, Robert George Dylan Willis passed away in December 2019 after a brief illness, leaving a void in the cricketing world. He was 70 years old at the time of his demise, but his contributions to the sport will forever be cherished. Willis’ remarkable courage, determination, and unwavering spirit serve as a testament to his legendary status in English cricket history.
