Bob Willis

Robert ("Bob") George Dylan Willis (born in Sunderland 30 May 1949) is a former cricketer who played for Surrey, Warwickshire, Northern Transvaal and England.

Willis is most fondly remembered for what proved to be his best bowling figures of 8 for 43 at Headingley, Leeds, England in 1981 against the Australians. The match is best known as Botham's Test, when England, 7 wickets down following on, came back thanks to 149 not out by Ian Botham. However, England would still have lost that match were it not for a fine spell of aggressive bowling by Willis.

Willis's England career began in 1970-71 when he was flown out to Australia as a replacement for the injured Alan Ward. At first, he was himself injury-prone and it was several years before he established himself in the team. But he flourished under the captaincy of Mike Brearley in the late 1970s and eventually went on to become one of England's greatest-ever fast bowlers, securing 325 Test match wickets at an average of 25.20. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1978.

Willis went on to captain England 18 times, winning 7 times, losing 5 and drawing 6.

Since retiring from playing cricket, Willis has established himself as a television commentator on Sky, though he seems to have attracted a number of detractors, who have not responded positively to his somewhat melancholy style.^*" target="_blank" > He has also been vocal on the need for changes in English cricket, particularly through a group of former players known as the Cricket Reform Group.[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2003/09/08/scbrig08.xml

Willis inserted the middle name "Dylan" by deed poll in honour of his idol Bob Dylan.

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External reference