England and broadcasting legend Bob Willis dies, aged 70
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Bob Willis (r) and James Anderson who were members of England's greatest Test Team to mark England's 1000th Test Match pictured during day 3 of the First Specsavers Test Match at Edgbaston on August 3, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Former England captain Bob Willis have died at the age of 70 following a brief illness.
Willis claimed 325 Test wickets during an illustrious playing career which was followed by more than 30 years as a cricket broadcaster.
“We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather,” his family said in a statement.
“He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly.”
Willis made his international bow in 1971 and went on to play in 90 Tests and 64 one-day internationals.
His tally of 325 wickets places him fourth in England’s all-time Test wicket-taker, behind Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and former team-mate Ian Botham.
The former Surrey and Warwickshire bowler got his name on the Honours Board at Lord’s three times.