Daily Star

Clint: I feel lucky punk!

Bowler famously flattened Aussies

- ■ ANTONY THROWER antony.thrower@dailystar.co.uk

CRICKET legend Bob Willis, whose heroics helped England retain the Ashes in 1981, has died aged 70 following a long illness.

The fast bowler played 90 Tests and 64 One Day Internatio­nals for England.

He is best remembered for his performanc­e in the 1981 Ashes series when he claimed 43 wickets, including 8 for 43 at Headingley.

He took a 325 in his career and is behind only Ian Botham, Stuart Broad and James Anderson in England’s record books.

His family said: “We are heartbroke­n to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfathe­r.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board said: “Cricket has lost a dear friend.”

TV’s Stephen Fry tweeted: “Oh no, not Bob Willis… what joy he gave, and what a marvellous man.”

Willis, the son of a BBC news executive, was born in Sunderland but grew up in Surrey, playing for the county as well as the MCC and Warwickshi­re. As a teen he took Dylan as an extra middle name due to his love of singer Bob.

He retired as a player in 1984 and went on to become a TV commentato­r.

He leaves second wife Lauren and daughter Katie from his first marriage.

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 ??  ?? FEARED: Bowling for England in 1982
FEARED: Bowling for England in 1982
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 ??  ?? POPULAR: Bob Willis
POPULAR: Bob Willis

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