Stadium opens book in memory of cricket legend

CONDOLENCE books have been opened at Edgbaston Stadium for cricket fans to remember Warwickshire and England bowling legend Bob Willis.

The cricketing world was plunged into sadness last week when Willis passed away at the age of 70 following a long illness.

Described by Warwickshire as “one of the most distinguished cricketers of his generation”, Willis won a host of honours during an eight-year spell with the club.

Fans can now pay tribute to Willis, who captained Warwickshire between 1980 and 1984, in two books of condolences launched at a Christmas carols service at the club yesterday.

The books will be housed in the reception area and club shop at Edgbaston for around a week.

Warwickshire said: “The mop-hair, the long run-up and the unique action was mimicked by schoolboys in playgrounds and cricket clubs across the country.

“He retained great affection for the club and, earlier this year, when asked if he still felt an affinity for Warwickshire, he answered: ‘Very much so. I had the honour of being made an honorary life member and I always get a very warm welcome when I go to Edgbaston.

“It doesn’t matter if the chairman or the chief executive has changed, and if ever I am introduced to the crowd I get a very warm reception.

“I love going back to the ground.’” Willis also served his country with great distinction during a 13-year international career that saw him take 325 wickets in 90 Test matches.

England players will wear black armbands for the First Test against South Africa in Centurion later this month as a mark of respect to the country’s fourth-highest Test wicket taker behind only James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Sir Ian Botham.

At England’s 1,000th Test match – against India at Edgbaston in August last year – Willis was named in the country’s greatest Test XI by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

After retiring from playing, he became a commentator with the BBC before leaving for Sky Sports. In more recent years he was an opinionated pundit on TV shows The Debate and The Verdict.