Where there’s Will(is), there’s a way! Top 3 memorable bowling performances by Bob Willis

land fast bowler and captain Bob Willis passed away at the age of 70, three years after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Willis is rated as one of the greatest fast bowlers to have played the game. Post retirement, he also became a renowned commentator and analyst.Willis played 90 Tests for England, and picked up 325 wickets at an average of 25.20. In addition, he also claimed 80 scalps in 64 ODIs while averaging 24.60. At the time of his retirement, Willis was the top wicket-taker for England in Tests. He has since been overtaken by Ian Botham, James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Willis’ family, in a statement, said “We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather. He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly. “Bob is survived by his wife Lauren, daughter Katie, brother David and sister Ann.

In the wake Willis’ death, we look back at his top three bowling performances.

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#3. Perth 1978 -- 5 for 44

Bob Willis.

Despite David Gower’s hundred in the first innings, Rodney Hogg’s 5 for 65 restricted England to 309 in the first innings of the Perth Test held in December 1978. Willis’ fiery 5 for 44 then ensured the visitors got the upper hand.

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Willis bowled both Kim Hughes and skipper Graham Yallop, and also ran through the lower order as Australia crumbled to 190 all out. Peter Toohey was unbeaten on 81, but Willis’ performance made the significant difference. Hogg claimed a five-for in the second innings as well to restrict the visitors to 208.

Willis’ first-innings heroics, however, ensured Australia had to chase a challenging 328. John Lever’s four-for and Geoff Miller’s 3 for 21 bowled England to victory by 166 runs.

Rodney Hogg.

#2. Kolkata 1977 -- 5 for 27

Bob Willis

India is a place fast bowlers have traditionally not enjoyed playing in. However, with his raw pace, Willis did not have any such issues. One of his best spells, in fact, came in India. In the second Test of the five-match series at Kolkata played in January 1977, India batted first after winning the toss, a decision they were left to rue.

Willis famously dismissed Sunil Gavaskar fourth ball, and went on to send back Brijesh Patel and Eknath Solkar as well. Despite playing at home, the Indians found Willis’ pace too hot to handle, as the tall Englishman claimed 5 for 27. Gundappa Vishwanath’s 35 was the top score for India as the hosts crumbled to get dismissed at 155.

In response, Tony Greig played a captain’s knock for England, compiling 103 from 347 balls. England made a competitive 321 despite skipper Bishan Bedi and Erapalli Prasanna picking up nine wickets between themselves. India stumbled in the second innings again, managing only 181 as Derek Underwood and Chris Old picked up three scalps each.

England won by 10 wickets to go 2-0 up in the series.

#1. Leeds 1981 -- 8 for 43

England v Australia Headingley, 1981 -- The legendary Test

Although Willis bowled many memorable spells in his lifetime, nothing beats the 8 for 43 he claimed at Headingley in 1981. As Willis was to admit later, a loss in the Test could have finished many England careers, including his own.

The once-in-a-lifetime performance came under incredible circumstances. England were 0-1 down in the series. At Leeds as well, England were in all sorts of strife. They were rolled over for 174 in response to Australia’s first innings total of 401 for 9 declared. Then, following on, they again disintegrated to 135 for 7. An innings loss seemed imminent. Somehow, Ian Botham threw his bat around and smashed that legendary 149 not out with support from Graham Dilley (56).

Still, 130 was all Australia needed to win the contest after England’s second innings stretched to 356. At 56 for 1, the Aussies were cruising. Then, Willis had Trevor Chappell caught behind for 8, and the match turned around in unbelievable fashion. An inspired Willis ran in hard, and dismissed both skipper Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop for ducks. He also ended opener John Dyson’s resistance, who hung around for 34 from 83 balls.

Bob Willis and Geoff Howarth 1st ODI New Zealand 1984

At 68 for 6, England were clearly on top. Ray Bright (19) and Dennis Lillee (17) threw their bats around. However, Willis’ pace eventually proved too much for the lower order as they folded up for 111. Although the Test is famously remembered as Botham’s Test, the win would have been impossible without Willis’ tall contribution.

Buoyed by the tremendous triumph, England went on to lift the Ashes 3-1, as Australia could never recover from the Headingley setback.