Tributes are flooding in for England cricket legend Bob Willis, who has died at the age of 70 after a short illness.
Willis played 90 Tests and 64 one-day international after starting his England career in 1971 before embarking on a long career as one of the most famous cricket pundits on Sky Sports.
Willis is fourth on the list of all-time England wicket takers behind James Anderson, Ian Botham and Stuart Broad, and is most known for being a huge part of the amazing 'Botham's Ashes' Test at Headingley in 1981.
He took 8-43 as he blew the Aussies away and enabled England to grab the most unlikely of Test victories against the old enemy.
Willis' family confirmed that he died after a long illness, leaving behind wife Lauren, daughter Katie, brother David and sister Ann.
They 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."
Former England captain David Gower described Willis as "a very loyal friend and a loyal supporter".
Gower told BBC Radio 5 live: "I toured with him as a captain and I took over the captaincy from him and then had him as what was called in those days as an assistant manager. He was a very loyal friend and a loyal supporter.
"Without going into too much unseemly detail, it was an era where you were allowed to have more fun than you are possibly today. Various tours Down Under were colourful, let's put it that way."
Gower added: "There is a huge contrast to Bob because a lot of people, especially in recent years, have seen him doing Sky's 'The Debate', 'Verdict' those sort of programmes where his opinions have been put across in great style.
"He's a multi-faceted character. He's a Bob Dylan fan, the fact he changed his name by deed poll to Robert George Dylan Willis gives you a clue there. He could tell you any Dylan lyric over the last 5000 years.
"He was a bright man, very opinionated in all sorts of things, not just cricket, and was such very, very good company and not just a wine connoisseur."
Former England fast bowler Darren Gough said Willis was "hugely admired".
"As a player he had a big heart, he'd run in, nearly 6ft 6ins, and hit the pitch hard. At his peak he was one of the best three bowlers in the world," Gough said on Talksport.
"He was hugely admired all around the world. Everybody knew who he was.
"If you just saw him on TV people might think he's a bit straight, but in his company over a glass of wine he would make you laugh all night."
Gough added: "Bob, the fighter he is, worked right to the end. He wanted to go out in the career he loved. If he wasn't playing, he was working and commentating on cricket which is what he loved.
"He will be greatly missed. He goes down as one of the greatest fast bowlers ever.
"He doesn't really get the credit because Ian Botham was just out of this world. That series in 1981 was the highlight."
England team director Ashley Giles tweeted: "Such sad news about Bob Willis, he was a great man"
The England and Wales Cricket Board said that "cricket had lost a dear friend".
"The ECB is deeply saddened to say farewell to Bob Willis, a legend of English cricket, at the age of 70," a statement read.
"Bob spearheaded the England bowling attack for more than a decade and took 325 Test wickets.
"He will always be remembered for his outstanding cricket career, in particular his eight for 43 in the dramatic Headingley Test victory over Australia in 1981.
"In later years as a broadcaster Bob was a perceptive and respected voice at the microphone. We are forever thankful for everything he has done for the game.
Everyone at the ECB sends sincere condolences to his family. Cricket has lost a dear friend."
Actor and cricket enthusiast Stephen Fry tweeted: "Oh no, not Bob Willis... what joy he gave, and what a marvellous man. That 8 for 43. Used to lunch with him occasionally to talk cricket, Wagner and Bob Dylan, his three great passions."
Former England bowler Mike Selvey tweeted: "Just received the saddest of sad news. Bob Willis, great fast bowler, opponent, team mate, room mate, and wonderful bloke has passed away. Condolences to Lauren and family."
Former England opener Michael Carberry tweeted: "Very sad to hear the passing of Bob Willis. Had the pleasure of working with him on @SkyCricket. Great man and knowledge of the game as well as a great bowler.#ripbobwillis"
Former England bowler Matthew Hoggard tweeted: "Just heard about Bob ! Thoughts go to his family. You will be missed !! RIP"
Analyst and former Middlesex bowler Simon Hughes tweeted: "What incredibly sad news about Bob Willis. A lionhearted bowler, a brilliant pundit, hilarious story-teller and a loyal friend to so many. A major loss to our world. RIP"
His former county Surrey paid tribute on Twitter, saying: "All at Surrey County Cricket Club are devastated to learn of the passing of former Surrey and England bowler Bob Willis.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
Another of his former counties Warwickshire posted: "Warwickshire CCC is deeply saddened to learn that former captain and fast bowler Bob Willis has passed away at the age of 70. The thoughts of all Bears are with his family and friends."
Another former England bowler, Ryan Sidebottom, tweeted: "Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Bob Willis, a very nice man, very respectful, polite, and a man who had a very dry sense of humour, (and) achieved so much."
India's former captain Sourav Ganguly tweeted: "So sad at the news of bob Willis .. may his soul rest in peace .. love to his entire family.
"India will miss a stalwart," he added.
Former England bowler Derek Pringle tweeted: "Bob Willis was my first England captain and a legend of England cricket. Headingley (1981) was as much his triumph as Beefy Botham's. RIP Big Bob."
Gary Lineker tweeted: "Saddened to hear that Bob Willis has died. One of our greatest fast bowlers. Met him on many occasions and he was always great company with a sense of humour that was as sharp as his bowling. #RIPBob"
More to follow...