Very sad news, one of the all time great fast bowlers a great character and a big Bob Dylan fan
He was indeed - R G D Willis. He was actually christened Robert George Willis, but added the name Dylan himself as a tribute. Very sad news - bit of a shocker tbh.
I will always cherish the memory of his blistering Test performance 8-43 which I witnessed live on the TV at Barnehurst Golf Club. He appeared to be in his own world and determined to demolish the Australians second innings on his own with England facing what looked like an inevitable defeat. The busy and noisy club bar gradually became quiet and then completely silent in disbelief when they became absorbed in the "miracle" unfolding before their eyes. Cheers were shouted after every wicket as Bob Willis remained in his own cocoon of concentration. A remarkable sporting performance which was so better witnessed live. RIP Bob Willis, at 70 years of age, you deserved a longer innings.
I only saw Bob Willis play once, for Warwickshire against Surrey at the Oval at what must've been the end of his career (early-mid 80's).
I was only about 12 or 13 and I remember being really excited to see one of the Ashes heroes there on the pitch in front of me, having watched the famous Headingly game live on the telly at the time.
My one abiding memory was the length of his run up and the time it took him to walk back every time. It was almost as if he was walking back up into the stand each time so he could come charging down the stairs and out onto the pitch - and this was only a Sunday league 40 over match!
real shock .. a man who always spoke his mind on the SkySports cricket 'Debate', a good commentator and a tremendous 'patriot' as tearaway fast bowler and England skipper .. R I P
Being a fellow Bob Dylan fan and knowing Bob Willis' brother I met him a few times at Dylan gigs. He told me that being up on the side of the stage at St James' Park in 1984 for a Dylan gig was even more exciting than Headingley 1981. Hard to believe even for a Dylan fanatic like me, because Bob W's bowling in the fourth innings of that test after Ian Botham's massive 149 was one of the most heart-pumpingly great sports events of my life. A smashing bloke and sporting hero has gone.
Some lovely tributes on Sky Sports news. They just interviewed Charles Colvile, the main presenter on The Cricket Debate, who spoke really well. It will be difficult to watch that show without thinking of Bob and his heartfelt contributions touched with dry humour. Totally irreplaceable.
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Desperately sorry for his wife Lauren, who I knew at school, and all his family and friends.
RIP to 1 of England's all time greats
Bob was one of those who had all the time in the world for you and I'm devastated to hear of his passing.
RIP Bob. A proper legend.
RIP Bob.
What a shock. RIP Bob.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/50655612
I never realised quite how much I admired the man, this has really upset me.
RIP
I only saw Bob Willis play once, for Warwickshire against Surrey at the Oval at what must've been the end of his career (early-mid 80's).
I was only about 12 or 13 and I remember being really excited to see one of the Ashes heroes there on the pitch in front of me, having watched the famous Headingly game live on the telly at the time.
My one abiding memory was the length of his run up and the time it took him to walk back every time. It was almost as if he was walking back up into the stand each time so he could come charging down the stairs and out onto the pitch - and this was only a Sunday league 40 over match!
RIP Bob.
Sleep tight, Bob
They just interviewed Charles Colvile, the main presenter on The Cricket Debate, who spoke really well. It will be difficult to watch that show without thinking of Bob and his heartfelt contributions touched with dry humour.
Totally irreplaceable.
A true legend.
RIP Bob