RIP Bob Willis

Trampas · 04-12-2019 5:37pm #1

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12123/11878027/bob-willis-ex-england-captain-and-sky-sports-cricket-expert-dies-aged-70

Not old enough to watch him play. Really the clips of him play and when he talks on the debate etc

Strumms · 04-12-2019 5:45pm

Not old enough to see him play either but I certainly did like his contributions in the media in particularly Sky... he seemed to have a very genuine love of the game and a huge presence in the way the game was related to the rest of us from inside the rope to outside.... he had a great way with words and a great bit of ‘devilment’ and wit about his forays into the more controversial topics of the game, an educator and indeed an entertainer too, RIP Bob and thanks.

Jimmy Two Times · 04-12-2019 5:52pm

Unfortunately I am old enough to have seen him in his prime.

Botham gets all the credit for Headingly 1981 but that second innings spell of 8-43 was spellbinding.

Always suffered in comparison to the great West Indian fast bowlers of his era but was vital for England throughout his career.

RIP Bob

VillaMad · 04-12-2019 6:58pm

Was watching the debate the other morning and they were saying that he was at home recovering from surgery and didn't think too much of it, so, shocked to hear that he has passed away.

Was a super pundit who said it as it was and was very entertaining. He was before my time as an actually cricketer but I will miss him greatly on TV for his views on the game.

Tom Mann Centuria · 04-12-2019 7:00pm

Posted in the England thread, but I'll stick it here now.

Bob Willis has passed away, he was only 70 years old. Only vaguely remember watching him play, but saw him on replays of classic series and he was a terrific fast bowler.

I didn't always agree with his punditry, but he was always honest, if it was a rubbish game, he'd say so, there'd be no building it up for viewers (as modern day presenters sometimes do). I think he mellowed as he got older and slightly less prickly. (but still don't think he suffered fools gladly)

RIP.

Strumms · 04-12-2019 7:05pm

Can’t not but enjoy watching this. Considering the emotions of the day as things were turning in Bobs and England’s favor he takes wicket after wicket, no celebration and turns around to go back to his mark time and again, only focused on getting the next one out, brilliant watch...some bowler.

Del.Monte · 04-12-2019 9:22pm

Sad news indeed. As one who was lucky enough to watch that test match unfold as it happened, the memory of Bob Willis' bowling is indelibly stored in my memory. RIP.

04-12-2019 11:04pm

VillaMad wrote: »

Was watching the debate the other morning and they were saying that he was at home recovering from surgery and didn't think too much of it, so, shocked to hear that he has passed away.

I heard that too, and wondered. RIP Bob, I'll greatly miss your acerbic views and very evident contempt for Charles Colville.

Skid X · 05-12-2019 1:27am

Strumms wrote: »

Can’t not but enjoy watching this. Considering the emotions of the day as things were turning in Bobs and England’s favor he takes wicket after wicket, no celebration and turns around to go back to his mark time and again, only focused on getting the next one out, brilliant watch...some bowler.

I've never seen any athlete pull a face quite like the one Bob did on that day. Intense concentration doesn't begin to describe it, he was like a man possessed.

Rest In Peace, Bob Dylan Willis

Mysterypunter · 05-12-2019 7:15am

Sad news, really enjoyed him on Sky, and any time the BBC showed the Headingly test repeats from the 89 series on when England were getting destroyed. Botham slogged his way to 149*, but the Aussies were only chasing 130, and Bob won it in the end. RIP

Doodah7 · 05-12-2019 12:18pm

I remember him in his prime with an almost aircraft like run-up. It often seemed that he started running in from the boundary rope gaining speed like an aircraft taking off. He must have been very fit as he must have run miles during a spell!!!

Stevieluvsye · 05-12-2019 2:14pm

RIP Bob

Really enjoyed listening to him on the debate after each day's play.

ednwireland · 05-12-2019 2:19pm

RIP

saw him bowling against pakistan in 1982 at headingly great sight in full flow

y0ssar1an22 · 05-12-2019 3:30pm

"Well Charles....." can hear this in my head as bob prepares to make a witty/scathing remark about something from the days play. A great pundit, seemed like a lovely man as well.

RIP

StringerBell · 09-12-2019 12:00am

RIP Bob, always enjoyed his analysis and comments.

RIP Bob Willis

Comments