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

#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.