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.

#3. Perth 1978 -- 5 for 44

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.