Bob Willis      

Full name Robert George Dylan Willis

Born May 30, 1949, Sunderland, Co Durham

Current age 60 years 163 days

Major teams England, Northern Transvaal, Surrey, Warwickshire

Also known as birth registered as Robert George Willis

Nickname Goose, Dylan, Harold, Swordfish

Batting style Right-hand bat

Bowling style Right-arm fast

Other Commentator

Height 6 ft 6 in

Education Royal Grammar School, Guildford

A case could be made that Bob Willis was the most courageous fast bowler who ever played for England. After operations on both knees in 1975, when he was 26, he seldom bowled without pain, and at one stage had to run five miles a day to build the strength to play at all. Yet through sheer willpower he sustained his career for nine more years, and emerged with 325 wickets from his 90 Tests. Fitting as it was the last game of any consequence he played should have been for England, it was cruel that the 1984 West Indian assault that proved his time had come took place at Headingley, scene of the his greatest triumph, the famous 8 for 43 that beat Australia in the Botham Test three years before.

Willis, a bony 6ft 6ins with sharp knees and elbows and a cascade of curly brownish-auburn hair, was a rarity among international sportsmen: no athlete in the accepted sense, his only aptitude was bowling, and that mainly through aggression and determination. But Frank Tyson was England's only postwar bowler who was clearly faster; and none, not even Fred Trueman, was a more intimidating sight than Willis as he charged dead straight down his 30-yard approach.

On retirement he moved into the media, and for many years formed a strong partnership with Ian Botham for Sky Sports, and although his laconic style did not suit all, a sharp and humourous individual hid just under the surface. He found himself sidelined from front-line commentary duties in 2006, but he remained part of the team.
Cricinfo staff

Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1978

Jan 23, 2005

The BSkyB commentary team: David Gower, Nasser Hussain, Bob Willis, Ian Botham

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Jun 19, 2004

Bob Willis in Sky Sports mode

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Apr 7, 2004

Bob Willis

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