Bob Willis: News

Robert George Dylan Willis was an English right-arm fast bowler and one of the leading wicket-takers in England cricket’s history. He was born on May 30, 1949. In 1965, he added Dylan as his third name to honor famous American singer Bob Dylan. Willis made his debut in international cricket in 1971 in the Test series against Australia. Between 1971 and 1984, Willis played 90 test matches and took 325 wickets, with a bowling average of 25.20. Apart from being a prolific Test player, Willis also earned prominence with his One Day International performances. He made his ODI debut in the year 1973 against West Indies. Between 1973 and 1984, he played 64 ODI matches and took 80 wickets. Between June 1982 and March 1984, Willis was the captain of the England cricket team. Under his captaincy, the team played 18 Test matches and 28 ODI matches, out of which England won seven Test matches, lost five Test matches, and won 16 ODIs. Willis was also associated with Surrey County Cricket Club, Marylebone Cricket Club, Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and Northern Transvaal Cricket Club in domestic cricket. In 1975, he suffered a major knee injury and had to undergo several surgeries. In 1978, he was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year. He retired from international cricket in 1984. From 1985 until a few months before his death, Willis was associated with Sky Sports as a commentator. He passed away on December 4, 2019, at the age of 70 years after a prolonged illness. In 2020, the Bob Willis Trophy was announced. In 2021, he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.