I was a 11 yr old in 1982 , I grew up in Fitzroy in Melbourne Australia, my dad used to take me to every day of the Melbourne test, I met him outside the ground, I remember there were hundreds if not thousands of supporters vying for autographs, for whatever reason he singled me out and quizzed me on where I was from and who I supported, I’ll never forget how polite he was and how he shook my hand and said no matter what you do and who you play for give it your best and respect your opponent, cos one day they may end up your best friends. After that I always asked my dad where’s Bob, not realising he retired not long after that tour, then later he was always one of my fav commentators, an absolute gentleman. He signed a British pound note for me that I still have.

Knew Bob from his days at school and followed his career ever after. He hated rugby which was the RGS Guildford only winter game and was never in the PE Master's good books. However, cricket in the school was run by the Classics masters and head of department was Mr Wallace, who also ran the 1st XI cricket team. The school playing fields were on a steep slope and Bob would bowl down the hill to an umbrella field - much akin to Headingly 1981. Decent school teams were often skittled out for very little - one of the best famously, all out for SIX. He was a great character, a non-conformist in many ways, but then that wasn't unusual in the late 1960s. Very sad. R.I.P.

So sad to hear of his passing. As an Aussie, I remember the Ashes series 1981 Headingley. Remember Bothams great innings, but we were still going to win. I was home with the flu, sick as a dog, thought winning the test would cheer me up . BUT, Bob tore us apart that day in one of the finest bowling performances I've ever seen.

As an Australian, who only saw Willis bowling on TV in one Ashes series, his last in 1982-83 when I was 10 ... I love Bob Willis. Apart from being a fabulous bowler in the 1970s (before I started watching the game on TV), he was also one of the best cricket commentators I have ever listened to and I have enjoyed his voice immensely on every Aussie tour to England over the last 15 years or so ... he's right up there with the likes of Richie Benaud, and Alan McGilray and John Arlott et el ...

Bob Willis was a great. Loved him in Australia. Love the poms at this sad time.

lovely warm tribute to a special man

Champion bowler and a great commentator. Forthright but hilarious. RIP Bob..From an Aussie

R.I.P Legend and absolute warrior

I am an Australian and I first saw Bob Willis bowl when I was 13. It was on television and he was playing in the Centenary Test in 1977. His bowling action was what strangely impressed me at first - and e felled Rick McCosker with a bouncer that McCosker din;t play well. It was also imoressive that RDG Willis didn't sigh with World Series Cricket. Most admirable by him and Ian Botham, although WSC was obviously one of the great positively good crises for cricket that changed the game for the better. We should be forever grateful to the the late Kerry Packer for establishing WSC. Kerry Packer, history now shows, was one of the great trade unionist for cricket - a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. Kerry Packer should have been a trade union leader - anyhow, that's a story for another time. Thank you for this posting about RDG Willis. RIP RDGW.

Brilliant fast bowler And a LEGEND on the verdict

RIP to one of England’s best fast bowler.... I still remember listening commentary during India -England series , and imagine how quick he would be, then see him on t.v , he was really very quick and his action more threatening... Cricket will never forget Bob willis...

Loved Bob. One of my first cricket heroes. Sadly missed. What an inspiration.

Awesome! I saw him in Madras, India in 1983. Absolute gem. RIP Bob Willis. Will definitely toast one tonight. Thanks for sharing this wonderful video.

A great tribute to Bob Willis and much appreciated. Lovely to listen to true friends who knew him and hear their personal stories of their times with Bob, thank you all from Adelaide, South Australia.

Saddened to hear this. I didn't hear much about this at the time. As an Aussie kid; when my mates and I played cricket we got to calling the bouncer the "Big Bob". You think we'd call it the Thommo or Lillee - but no - it was the "Big Bob". As Big Bob Willis was the true fearsome English quick that would intimidate the best batsman. As good as any in that stacked era.. He had personality and charisma to burn too. Always a fan of Big Bob Willis.. In later years he'd come out to Australia too from time to time to do the commentary.. People liked him, no nonsense, to the point ... A good guy.. . RIP...

Loved Bob Willis - unique style, that dry sense of humour and a great advocate for the game.

A great player, brilliant witty broadcaster and outstanding person R. I. P. Bob

As a child of the 70s Bob was one of my inspirations as a fast bowler. A great player and commentator, also a great and loveable man. Rip Bob

After what he went through with his knees, can’t imagine he played cricket again, a brave man he was.

What a wonderful tribute! Thank you all for your memories and obvious love for Bob.

Rest in peace in heaven bob love from Pakistan.

Always loved the way Bob played the game and spoke his mind, one of our best ever quicks! Did not know he was a man city fan, love him even more now!

R.I.P Bob. You are a true legend

I’m to young to remember him playing but as a pundit loved watching him 👍🏻 RIP to cricketing legend

What an intro by Ian ward ❤️

Bob Willis brilliant bowler, articukate, eloquent and objective commentator

absolute legend! i will miss listening to him

Was born to late to see him in his pomp but have seen the endless highlights of his greatest moments and it's obvious he was a talent. Loved watching him on the verdict always honest and critical were it was needed. Will be missed by many what a legend RIP Bob

What a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. Bob was my hero growing up in Birmingham in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Thank you.

This video is a celebration of Bob's life rather than a requiem of his death. Thank you guys!

what a legend

Just finished o levels... nothing to do all summer except watch uninterrupted test coverage. That thousand-yard stare as he charged down the hill at Leeds, that unplayable Yorker to take out Ray Bright’s middle stump, that withering savaging of Peter West’s bumbling platitudes. I could go on, but that summer afternoon will never leave me.

Great tribute, RIP Bob

Fantastic chat. Thanks for sharing it all with us.

Another familiar cricketing voice gone. Loved Bob on the verdict, was always truthful and sometimes scathing when it was needed.

For me, Bob Willis is up there with Tony Cozier, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, Henry Blofeld, Richie Benaud, Tony Greig and Jonathan Agnew, David 'Bumble' Lloyd, Michael Holding and Harsha Bhogle as the best of Cricket commentators the world over and unfortunately that group has unfortunately decreased due to death with the cause of death being cancer as CMJ, Richie Benaud, Tony Greig and Tony Crozier all like the great man passed away due to various forms of cancer. I miss Bob Willis everyday as Bob had eloquence when needed but also spoke the truth about the team's performance case in point when England lost the test series badly and each review he was blunt and didn't hide the truth about the performance which was incredible as whatever Bob said was true and as someone who supports India, it showed his true professionalism and sheer neutrality as he praised India literally every episode during the test series and vice versa for the most part with England. Forever shall the name of RGD Willis MBE live on within the gentlemen's game in the form of the fans, players and those associated with the game in other areas. The spirit and courage shown by Bob in his career as a player and a eminent commentator and broadcaster but also as a man who carried on with life right to the end is something we can all learn from but also remember the great man. Players should look to the past from time to time as on the field you and the opposition team are rivals with the same motives but after the game you meet up have a drink and a bite to eat in their dressing room. Bob we miss you but shant ever forget you.

What an absolute pleasure to watch this was. Thank you guys, so much insight into the man, allows non Bob knowers such excellent insight into who he was away from Cricket. Fabulous

Paul Allott is fantastic! @sky please bring him back!

When I was a kid in the 70s/80s every one done a Bob Willis run up when bowling...mimicry is the greatest form of flattery.

Great viewing, thanks chaps for putting together.

Really enjoyed that super tribute to Bob, as a Warwickshire member I saw him many times and for England as well.

Great first minute. RIP Bob.

Lovely tribute to a lovely man.

Thank you. That was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man.

He was one of the best bowlers England ever produced. A good commentator too. RIP Bob Willies 🙏

Wonderful tribute to a brilliant man. Great to hear the stories away from cricket. The long lunches sound like something we should all do.

When Hadlee was cleaning up England in 78, Bob Willis was probably even more frightening in cleaning up our batting lineup! Still the greatest English quick since then.

Very sad, true legend of the game. 🥺

Bob Willis a Legend off and on the field! 🙏🙏🙏

Even the intro made me cry.

A great profile of one who was passionate about the sports. I had an opportunity to see him bowl once in a Indian Zonal match against England. Same place had opportunity to see Malcolm Marshall. Some great incomparable bowlers for as long as this game is played.

Loved the whole bowling action... Couldn't be too good for knees or back...loved his batting huge number of notouts

And I will always remember him for his commentary 🙏 RIP 🙏

My boyhood hero alongside Sir Ian Botham.

Came here to see bumble..... Really funny guy

I had no idea about his connection to Adelaide. Australia will miss him and his competitiveness tremendously.

I got my love of cricket from the 1981 test. Thank you

Tuesday, July 21, 1981...Great day for England & a massive turning point in the Ashes that year. I.T. Botham 149* & R.G.D Willis 8-43, I watched as 13 year old absolutely transfixed. Super Human effort by Bob, R.i.P Mr Willis, Never to be forgotten by England Cricket Fans.

IM INDIAN LIV IN GREAT BRETHREN I LOVE MY ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 I RESPECT A LOT BOB SIR I WATCHING CRICKET SENSE I WAS 4.5 YEARS OLD ALL MY LIFE WATCHING HIM COMMENTARY WHAT A GREAT COMMENTATOR I WATCH HES GREAT BOWLING SPELL ON YOU TUBE I WATCH 8 WEEKET I THINK AROUND 44 RUNS WHAT A SPELL WELL BOB YOU ARE GREAT MAN I HOPE YOU ALRIGHT

As a lover of real cricket( test) as a Aussie appreciation of bobs come backs because of knee problems,and his performance again as.

A lovely tribute to an understated hero, R.I.P. Bob

I will always remember Bob Willis the cricketer and the great man he was RIP a true legend.

RIP what a legend

Great tribute great guy. We miss you Bob

RIP Bob. Cricket is definitely going to miss you and your sense of humour.

A warm and lovely tribute to one of England's greatest ever fast bowlers R.I.P. Bob

My biggest and only regret, many years ago, I was waiting for a train on the Northern Line, and he sat not far from me, my regret never telling him the years of pleasure he gave me, watching him bowl

Was fortunate enough to go on two cricket holidays back in the 1980s with this guy. along with Bob Taylor and BBC radio correspondent Pat Murphy. A sporting legend but more than that a lovely guy who hated talking about his own exploits would rather talk about others.......... Fantastic memories. I also have to mention his then wife Juliet was by far the most charming person i have EVER met

As an Aussie I always enjoyed listened to the commentary of Bob Willis. Never saw him play but he had great things to say about cricket

A very moving documentary, thanks for getting out for us to watch. I’d forgotten how great a bowler he was and how wonderful the summer of 81 was when I was a teenager with his remarkable bowling spell after Beefy gave us a chance after that truly amazing innings of batting that could probably never be surpassed in the context of the match. Very sorry we’ve lost Bob, I met him for all of about 10 seconds at a plush dinner at the RAC club I think it was, purely exchanging hellos. RIP RGD.

He was John McEnroe of cricket I would say.

Rest Up

LEGEND!!!!

Great to see them having the Craic, RIP Bob

I remember the Headingly test and a piece of commentary that went something like Bob Willies eyes like piss holes in snow. It was a brilliant spell.

Thank you, guys. Lovely tribute. Most enjoyable. Bob and Beefy got me hooked on cricket at the age of 10 during the '81 Ashes. Among my very first sporting memories.

Sir Bob was my favourite childhood cricketer. I will never forget his legendary boundary long run-up just to get a wicket. What a Sportsman and what a character!

Thanks for sharing your stories of a true England sporting hero. Bob Willis was our last great fast-bowler, and an inspiration. I wouldn't have minded sitting in on one of your post match/work drinking sessions-why didn't you invite me?

I won a cricket 8 a side school competion playing with Alleyns School,actually it might of been Dulwich Hamlet School it was so long ago, played at the Oval,as part of the prize of winning we got to meet Bob Willis for bowling tips (Bob was playing for Surrey then) and Ken Barrington for batting tips,great memories.

Most enjoyable. Thanks guys. Bob will be missed by all lovers of cricket

Opening the bowling, botham and Willis. Yeah. And graham dilley. Yeah. Plus gladstone small. Please? Fab 4!

Thanks for the fantastic vodcast. It is one of the best on cricket I have ever seen. Bob was and is one of my great cricketing heroes. When I was young I use to copy his bowling action during my school days. I feel that he was not only England's best fast bowlers of all time but one of the world great fast bowlers . Great memory, thanks again for making my day. From India.

I remember rick mccosker going down like a bag of spuds during the 1977 centenary test....verdict, broken jaw,and I'm sure many batsman of the era of 1971 to 1981, had much to worry about

Thank you for this guys.

Thank you Sky - the end of day banter will never be quite the same again

Legends never die, they just finish their little tour to this mortal world and return to eternity. Robert George Dylan Willis, if not better than no lesser than Alfted Flynn, Harold Larwood, Fred Trueman, Frank Tyson. Till every cricket fan breathes R. G. D. Willis would live in his/her mind, heart and memories.

RIP Mr Willis you'll never be forgotten

I came to know about his name around the 2000s but recognized his voice way back. What a voice he had so distinctive like greats of Richie B., Tony Greg. A true legend.

His comment about Chris Broad not walking like his father Chris Broad was beyond hilarious

absolutley brilliant. Can sky please do a half an hour special of bob willis best rants and roasts?? a few that come to mind are when he roasts darrel harper...saying "they shouldent be umpiring school cricket" or when he goes in on ricky ponting "hes a mercenary now going around the world lapping up money from idiots like surrey who are prepared to pay him".......

RIP Bob Willis. Much respect to you Sir, you were and outstanding fast bowler and cricketer. A true gentleman! 😥

i watched the match the other day 8 wickets hedingley 73 great stuff xx

I heard Bob speak at a lunch in Adelaide in 2018, I thought he was one of the most knowledgeable and articulate cricket speakers I had ever heard, not to mention very funny in the Monty Python style (I thank my father for my British sense of humour). I was not lucky enough to see him play, but I certainly wish I had - if his playing talent was anything like the respect that the group gave him, he must have been a dangerous bowler and a wonderful leader.

Saw Willis bowl at Trent Bridge in '77 Ashes as a young teenager sat on the boundary rope at deep mid wicket. My overriding memory is being astounded that A. l couldn't see the ball from the moment it left his hand 'til it smacked into Knottys gloves and B. Just how far back the keeper was standing. Be of no doubt, Bob was fast.

Priceless, RIP RGD

These guys obviously thought the world of him

Brilliant ending

oh dear I didnt know Bob Willis had died. Childhood hero.

Incredible Bowler for England and Warwickshire..... The Bears remember you Mr. Willis.

RIP Bob Willis👌