Former England captain and Sky Cricket expert Bob Willis has died at the age of 70 after a short illness.

The fast-bowler was a mainstay of the England team for more than a decade, playing in 90 Tests and 64 one-day internationals after his debut in 1971, and went on to enjoy a long career in broadcasting after his retirement in 1984.

Willis finished his Test career with 325 wickets, which to this day puts him fourth on the all-time list of England wicket-takers behind James Anderson, Ian Botham and Stuart Broad.

He played a key part in what became known as “Botham’s Ashes” when his hostile bowling saw him take 8-43 in the memorable third Test at Headingley that was won from a seemingly-impossible position.

Botham would later describe his teammate as a “tremendous trier, a great team man and an inspiration – the only world-class fast bowler in my time as an England player”.

Willis’ family said in a statement: “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.”

The former international cricketer is survived by his wife Lauren, daughter Katie, brother David and sister Ann.

The Willis family has asked for donations to be made to Prostate Cancer UK.

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