ICC mourns Willis' death, calls him one of cricket's biggest heroes

International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday condoled death of former England captain Bob Willis, calling him one of biggest heroes of sport. Willis died d 70 after battling prolonged illness in England. In a statement, ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney offered world body's condolences.

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ICC mourns Willis' death

"We are extremely s to hear of Bob's death and I would like to extend deep condolences to his family on behalf of ICC," Sawhney said. "Bob was one of biggest cricket heroes of his time, a fast bowler respected world over. He led England bowling attack with aggression and sight of him charging in to bowl is entrenched in minds of people who watched cricket in 1970s and 80s," he ded.

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Willis ended his 90-match Test career with 325 wickets. "...his part in Heingly Test against Australia in 1981 is one of most remarkable performances in cricket. He was also mired as a brocaster in later years and his contribution to game will be remembered for a long time," Sawhney said.  fast bowler captained England in 18 Tests and 29 One-Day Internationals taking 325 wickets in 90 Tests from 1971 to 1984. 

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Willis produced a devastating career-best of eight for 43 in third Test of 1981 Ashes at Heingley, which helped England to a famous win over Australia. England went on to win series 3-1 and Willis finished with 29 wickets at 22.96 in six matches. In domestic cricket, Sunderland-born bowler started his career at Surrey, before spending 12 years at Warwickshire, finishing with 899 wickets from 308 first-class matches at an aver of 24.99.

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