Bob Willis' golden period as a world-class fast bowler culminated in the 1981 Ashes and the Headingley Test. Australia needed just 76 more runs to win with 9 wickets in hand and Bob Willis was in a trance not even celebrating his wickets. Such was his concentration that people thought he was on drugs! What happened in that match has become part of cricketing folklore. England followed on and were seven wickets down for 135 in their second innings. Botham, sacked as captain before the Test, smashed a remarkable149 not out. And then, supported by Graham Dilley and Chris Old, he gave England a lead of 129 runs.
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Then, with Australia poised to go two up in the series, Willis charged in and took 8 for 43 to bundle Australia out for 111 and see England home by 18 runs.
One of cricket's greatest stories.
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