The first Test between South Africa and England is underway in Centurion and the England players were seen wearing black armbands on the first day of the Test. It was in honor of the former England bowler Bob Willis. He led the English side back in 1982 and 1984 and also featured in 90 Test matches with his most memorable performance taking eight for 43 in the Australian second innings of the third Ashes Test in 1981.
Willis, who died at the age of 70 picked up 325 wickets. He is the fourth on the all-time list of England wicket-takers behind James Anderson, Ian Botham and Stuart Broad.
With his long run-up, a sprint across 30 yards, Bob Willis offered a compelling sight with the ball in hand. A relentless fighter, the fast bowler fought his way back after suffering a severe knee injury. He had put in the extra yards at training just to keep fit and he displayed a remarkable work ethic to do so for more than eight years.
Willis’ most memorable triumph on the field came in the 1981 Ashes when England fought back after having followed on to sketch one of the most remarkable victories. Willis, along with Botham, was the chief architect of that win. His eight wickets in the fourth innings that helped England defend a paltry total is a part of cricketing folklore.
Meanwhile, England is in a dominating position on the first day after electing to field first. They started off brilliantly with Dean Elgar getting out for a golden duck. It was a sorry looking scorecard from the top order to the middle, but South Africa now looks in control of the final session, thanks to Quinton de Kock’s resilience.
According to the latest update, he is unbeaten on 95* and well on his way on scoring a hundred. Vernon Philander is also supporting well from the other end.
Sam Curran is the pick of the bowler so far for England, who picked up 3 wickets. Stuart Board has picked up two while England’s leading wicket-taker James Anderson has picked up one.
