Blue for Bob Day: Honoring Bob Willis
Ahead of the start of play on Day 2, a touching tribute was paid to the legendary cricketer Bob Willis. Both teams walked out to the middle wearing blue-colored caps as the entire stadium stood up to pay respect to Willis and support the cause. Willis’ daughter, Katie, was present at the venue and expressed her gratitude to the fans for their support in raising funds for the ‘Blue for Bob’ day, commemorating Willis, who passed away from prostate cancer in 2019. Edgbaston, Willis’s domestic home for much of his career and a venue where he played five Test matches, was an apt setting for this tribute.
Here’s the video:
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Legacy of Willis
The “Blue for Bob” initiative honors the memory of former England cricketer Willis. The event encourages players and fans to wear blue to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. The first “Blue for Bob” event took place at Edgbaston during an ODI match between England and Pakistan in 2021. The subsequent events were held during the rescheduled fifth Test between England and India in 2022 and the first Ashes Test between England and Australia in 2023.
Willis: A cricketing legend
Willis is remembered not just for his remarkable cricketing skills but also for his contributions off the field. His best bowling figures came in the 1981 Ashes Test at Headingley, where he took 8 wickets for 43 runs, dismantling Australia and securing a memorable win for England. After retiring in July 1984, Willis transitioned into a role as a Sky Sports analyst, where he delighted viewers with his sharp and witty analysis. His legacy continues to inspire, and the “Blue for Bob” day serves as a heartfelt reminder of his impact on the game and his battle against prostate cancer.
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