1981 Headingley Impossible win - Bob Willis 8/43 - Most famous Ashes spell ever!

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.
#bobwillis
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.
#headingley #1981 #ashes

[@garethcharlton7508]

skipped school to watch it , been unemployed the last 37 years but it was worth it

[@Koolhais]

Yup. Worth every moment!

[@ianbarrett4166]

Best comment 😂

[@neilwilson5785]

Was my first ever job, but my boss let me listen on the radio. Still love him for that.

[@stuiep1983]

Brilliant 😂😂😂

[@That_Random_Bloke]

gareth charlton You’ve won KZbin 🤣

[@alistairbain6149]

What I really respected about Richie Benaud was his complete impartiality. He loved cricket and commentated accordingly. Not saying he didn’t love Australia; he did. But he was never partisan.

[@robinstephenwalne2656]

Nn

[@BhalchandraGholkar]

Very true. Like players, they were too legends.

[@joedennehy386]

Hear hear

[@ColinH1973]

He was a great man, and a very sad loss.

[@li4398]

So true. Great man.

[@someoneorother2222]

Like so many other people this is the match that got me into cricket. They call it Botham's Ashes but without this unbelievable spell of bowling by Bob Willis all of Ian's heroics would have been for nothing. Bob Willis passed away today so I just want to say thanks for everything Bob and may you rest in peace big feller.

[@cliveuuking4602]

How did he die?

[@markoconnell2458]

@@cliveuuking4602 Cancer

[@paulclissold1525]

Mr botham built his reputation on some very very dodgy ozzie teams.

[@foddyfoddy]

@@paulclissold1525 Maybe you missed the fact that this video was about Bob Willis?

[@GrahamS67]

My thoughts exactly 👏👏👏

[@thadtuiol1717]

Aussie fan here. Those three deliveries by Bob Willis to Trevor Chappell, Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop are some of the fastest and most vicious deliveries I've ever seen. RIP Bob Willis, you were a true Ashes warrior.

[@marshlightening]

Although there is rivalry us Brits still love our Aussies!

[@team19611]

Great Post my friend

[@TheToledoTrumpton]

The last delivery looked quick and seemed to move a bit as well. It was pretty much unplayable.

[@gc8216]

What nice words, your country provided the greatest cricket commentator bar none

[@don__hector7845]

@@marshlightening sometimes...

[@gc8216]

Simply the greatest Test match. Willis, Botham and Unsung hero Graham Dilley. Couldn’t believe when I saw he had passed away so young. As for Richie Benaud..my all time favourite commentator without a hint of partisanship in his commentary..truly the voice of cricket.

[@philiprice7875]

remember the tv screen ENG to win 500/1 cant remember if anyone took that bet most people would have thought just giving money to the bookie

[@stevefox2295]

From memory I think Lillee and Marsh put money on England at those odds.

[@FranssensM]

Can you imagine Bob Willis hugging & laughing with the opposition? No, he didn’t even talk to his teammates. The man was intense. Focussed on what mattered most in that moment. RIP

[@shadowside8433]

He was bowling like a machine - so he acted like one.

[@richardcoffeygeneral]

He was completely and utterly in the zone ☺️👍🏻

[@dazzlingdavedainty]

did he even get a mention at the end??

[@kenbrice6075]

Let us not forget the contribution to this win by Mike Brearley? What a captain!

[@alanjm1234]

Ian Botham certainly benefited from being relieved of the responsibility.

[@darrensmith4279]

@@alanjm1234 never

[@koreainsincere]

When I see Ray Bright's middle stump smashed out of the ground, and hear the most iconic piece of cricket commentary of all time from the great Richie Benaud, I cry. This was my youth, and I can never get it back. RGD Willis 8-43. The greatest test match bowling spell of all time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Bob.

[@stevenwade7466]

You have summed this up perfectly.

[@martinjf467]

Amen to that!!! 🙏

[@spizzenergi2292]

5:25 that me in the blue Shirt

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

@@spizzenergi2292 😂some polite applause 👏🏻

[@joedennehy386]

Hadlees 9 for 53 wasnt bad either, nor was curtly at the wacca

[@alextw1488]

Our junior school teacher packed us into the hall, wheeled out the TV and we sat legs crossed watching history being made. Take a bow, Mr Sanderson!

[@angelacooper2661]

How old were you? I was eleven and right at the end of junior school! Aged 54 this weekend!

[@Wokko1963]

I watched this game live on my parent’s black and white in Perth WA as a schoolboy. I’m an Aussie supporter but the Botham innings and the Bob Willis bowling performance will live with me for the rest of my life.

[@davidevans4704]

Watched this live as a12yo with my dad never forget how happy my dad was . Fantastic cricket match.miss you so much dad xx.

[@peterc9153]

Watched it with my late dad as well. I was 19 at the time. We both couldn't believe England had snatched this. They seemed totally lost before the inputs of Botham and Willis.

[@johnlowdon5809]

HAPPY DAYS.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi david evans I had exactly the same experience. I watched it with my Father, amazing game! One of the best memories I have with my Dad. I miss him too! Great to have these wonderful moments!

[@Producelikeapro]

peterc agreed, amazing match!

[@shaunspillane2105]

Same ;)

[@smallbizdigitalmedia]

RIP Bob. I cycled back 11 miles from a fishing trip as a kid to watch this devastating spell of test cricket. Great commentator also and fellow Dylan fan.

[@foliumofdescartes7949]

Yes....

[@pwareham61]

Even after all these years, this still makes me emotional

[@stevewilson8926]

And C Old,he got Border.

[@martinjf467]

And me! My cheeks were wet watching this and I still punched the air when the great Bob Taylor took one of his catches. And Gatting??? 🙏

[@margaretbanks8969]

And me.

[@spizzenergi2292]

Never seen anyone more focussed than Bob Willis was on that day

[@brusselssprouts560]

Probably the best fast bowling display ever.

[@sayanchatterjee355]

Willis passed away today. Rest in Peace. What a legend. What an absolute legend.

[@charu_agrawal]

RIP 🙏🙏

[@johntate5722]

Thank you for this lovely comment sayan

[@sin2k]

@@johntate5722 Sad comment.... Miss him for ever.. May God Bless His family

[@BhalchandraGholkar]

True legend

[@themanftheworld8439]

BW Sunderland born.

[@anujrana1865]

RIP Sir Bob Willis you is,was and will always remain one of the all time greatest fast bowler in the history of cricket.Will never forget this incredible spell of aggressive and hostile fast bowling against Australia in Ashes 1981.Tributes to you from India.🙏

[@abergreg]

I watched every second of this match live on tv. Its the best cricket match I've ever seen and I doubt there's ever been better.

[@christopheradderley45]

Never have I seen a sportsman so focused. Bob was completely "zoned out" and on a different planet. Planet Destruction. I believe that he re-entered the Earth's atmosphere around three days later 🧡

[@paulmeaden5731]

He was angry with the selectors

[@sparlingsfarm]

So sad to hear he has died. One of the legends of my childhood.

[@rajsindha5488]

How old was he?

[@sparlingsfarm]

@@rajsindha5488 70

[@blackdiamond7089]

He was one of great fast bowlers Alas, he passed away... really he was fantastic winner of match... respect from Pakistan

[@charu_agrawal]

RIP 🙏🙏

[@eddyvideostar]

Dear Sparlings Farm. I am so sorry that his soul was sapped. He was my Surrey hero. Many times, I had seen him perform live for my London county and England country.

[@davidcoleman757]

My dad drove back from Cornwall like a madman so we could watch this live. I always loved Bob because he was a Dylan fan. Thanks for posting this - I never tire of reliving that incredible summer.

[@Deano_Longley]

Will never ever be repeated, the circumstances, the 500/1,the booking out of the hotel,the tunnel vision by Bob,the empty ground ending up full,sporting drama at its best I remember been 8 yrs old and watching it & even then I just couldn't believe what was happening, absolutely brilliant and so was the commentary Ritchie benaud at his imperial best ,what a win England

[@paulclissold1525]

Messers lillee and marshes bet paid off. Lol

[@cliveuuking4602]

Aussies got very, very rich. At a time that salaries couldn't compete with the bet. Make of that, what you will.

[@venkataramank.s2122]

Benaud was impartial.Remember one of his comment on lbw decision negated by umpire in favour of Australia.He quipped, ball would have missed the leg stump and perhaps the off stump.But I have no doubt in my mind what it would have done to the middle stump!! Sorely missed.

[@TheAndyScan]

RIP Bob: A world class fast bowler. A cricketing expert. And a true gentleman. My memories of this test match will never die - my kids know the folklore.

[@paullittle4622]

An afternoon in the summer of 1981, that i will treasure for the rest of my life

[@wilf18]

Paul Little indeed. One of the best memories

[@stuzaza]

Me too mate, happy days

[@johnsmith-mj5ye]

Work stopped in our office that afternoon!

[@billrowell2919]

Me Too!!!

[@nearlyretired7005]

@@billrowell2919 I was 19 then. Well I thought, Australia will win. Went to do some bodywork on my Ford Capri. Came back and they were nine wickets down, and missed all the drama!

[@markrichardson567]

This was also a great example of top quality captaincy. If you watch Willis' reaction after each wicket he was clearly in the zone, knew exactly what he was doing, and wasn't getting carried away. The rest of the players were - understandably - getting more and more animated. Mike Brearley did a great job of sensing Willis' mood, managing the situation appropriately and keeping everything together. Willis and Botham were the stars but great work by Brearley.

[@maffman2001]

Thank you Mr Willis. I watched this match live as a very young man, it made me a life long cricket fan.

[@KS_Khan1]

No fist pumping no animated reactions after taking wickets at such a tense situation. Bob you were a beauty..

[@kandigames2113]

I had just started a new job up in Newcastle, maybe the second or third week. The secretary had a TV on her desk and started walking through the office keeping us updated as the wickets fell, by the end of the afternoon, everybody had stopped working and were crowded around her TV, including all the management. Great memories.

[@Scotscan]

Let’s also pay tribute to the great voice of Christopher Martin-Jenkins who I found out passed away in 2013. A wonderful voice to listen to on radio and TV.

[@terranceparsons5185]

Best ever, "what a triumph it would be for him if he is still batting at 6 o'clock this evening"

[@paddybpaddyb9940]

CMJ, I loved him on the radio

[@gilesridley4464]

I used to play cricket with him in Jim Swanson’s team, the Arabs (because we had no home ground of our own) and we were therefore nomads . CMJ, whom we all knew as ‘the Colonel was an accomplished club player, very elegant to watch, and a champion of a dying breed, a gentleman cricketer. I last saw him in India, on the day of the CWC FINAL in Mumbai in 2011.He told me then that he had cancer. He was quite matter of fact about it. He was an outstanding man. RIP Colonel.

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

I got to love cricket listening to CMJ on the radio reporting and commentating from exotic locations all over the world. A great man.

[@kukihussainy]

As of today, sadly, the great Bob Willis is no longer with us. But his spell on that summer day in 1981 will live forever. I watched it as a 15 year old kid and I dont think I have seen such a remarkable comeback since.

[@garethwilliams3819]

Graham Dilley - unsung hero of '81 RIP

[@rafikhan908]

A superb bowler! R.I.P.

[@sin2k]

@@rafikhan908 True.....

[@andybroad1328]

Partnership with Botham, Dilley got 50 and is never mentioned. The 3rd man that made this possible. But I am a Kent fan....

[@wespaul9345]

I did not know Dilley was gone until now. Devastating. Icons of English cricket as an Aussie we respected. Very sad.

[@YaxKukMo1426]

RIP Robert George Dylan Willis. One of the great spells in the history of Test Cricket

[@kevanbrown7620]

A huge Bob Dylan fan. My brother seen him while waiting to see a Dylan concert.

[@TheScouseassassin]

This was the match that got me into cricket. I was born in Essex but growing up in Ireland, 12 years old and listening to it live on the radio. You couldn't write the script...a century by beefy, then Big Bob steaming in from that marathon run up, the crowd cheering and the wickets tumbling, the final one a beautiful full ball taking middle stump...Boys Own stuff...Magic.

[@angelacooper2661]

I would have been eleven back then and in my last year at junior school, so a year younger than you. The panda is very relevant to me, as I had three toy pandas when growing up!

[@martinwatts7646]

I watched this on telly as a cricket-mad nipper of 11, but it's the first time I've watched it in its entirety since then. I knew Bob was a fast bowler, but this is PROPER quick, seriously hostile bowling. Brilliant stuff.

[@angelacooper2661]

Same age as me, then - at the end of junior school. Beefy was my hero during my formative years!

[@Edogawa1117]

Richie Benaud ruled......awesome commentator. Glad he took us through this epic match.

[@johnpaines2063]

Agreed. Saying that the Aussies faced a "daunting task" at lunch (72 to win with six wickets standing, Dyson and Border at the crease and Marsh still to bat) are the words of a man who already knows the match result, though. At that point I'd have still put my money on Australia if I'd been old enough to go into a betting shop.

[@dazmin100]

That test series was a totally deserved end for Benaud, a magnificent test series to finish a magnificent career.

[@dazmin100]

The 2005? Ashes that is, what an awesome test, shame it had to finish.

[@occy127]

A bit biased at times though. So sick of hearing him go on about Warne and Healy when he made a good catch, we all knew how good they were during the 'bad old days' , Taylor/Marsh 350 + for 0 on Day 1. I'll always remember that.

[@28102650]

The best cricket commentator was Alan McGilvray. John Arlott may have been more 'poetic', but Alan was the most unbiased most knowledgeable commentator since I began listening to cricket in the 1960s.

[@jasoncarley9279]

If you dont remember this as a youngster, then you didnt bunk off school enough! Legendary test match. R.I.P. Big Bob.

[@mrradman2986]

Great spell from Bob Willis. RIP big man. If his run-up was any longer he'd be coming down the steps in the stand.

[@welshlad6427]

I remember watching this test with my Grandad. Still one of my favourite sporting memories ever. Still gives me goosebumps watching it now.

[@dazmin100]

One of the most extraordinary spells of bowling ever, mesmerising.

[@iankemp8535]

There have over the years Joker been many many great matches but there was TV no Hype so did not get the exposure that cricket gets today

[@Isleofskye]

True and not a mention in the ceremony.

[@garethwilliams3819]

Let us never forget the third hero of Headingley - Graham Dilley, RIP

[@pwareham61]

Damn Right

[@TJ-vo5td]

Gareth Williams Good call!

[@Wally-H]

Indeed. Watching him bat with Botham in that famous second-innings stand is a very happy memory.

[@Wally-H]

Yes, died of oesophageal cancer cancer aged 52.

[@mydarlinggirlrachae]

Didn't know he died so young, that is sad. Respects from Australia

[@suhass997]

RIP the great Bob Willis! His wit, humour and his legendary commentary will be greatly missed. "Well Charles". He will be missed in the debate and the verdict on Sky. Thanks for the memories big Bob!

[@userjim83]

Love how Bob was so in the zone and just turned round and got his jumper or went back to his mark after each wicket. He was a man in a mission that day RIP Bob

[@Pwecko]

I had just started a job as a salesman visiting firms all over Liverpool when this Test was on. On the final day, I just sat in my car and listened to the cricket on the radio. I couldn't tear myself away from it I didn't last long in that job.

[@angelacooper2661]

I was eleven and at the end of junior school back then. Beefy was my hero during my formative years!

[@richwalker1965]

I'm here because of the BBC - still brilliant all these years on - and great coverage the late great Richie Benaud, CMJ, Tom Graveney, Ted Dexter and earlier Gentleman Jim Laker. Happy days.

[@thomasoneill7365]

Bob Willis what a thoroughly decent man RIP. This was his finest hour..... Thank you for posting 👍👍

[@PaulabJohnson]

Had to come back and watch this after the sad news about RGD today. Watched this as a 10 year old, even now hard to believe how good he was and how special this was. RIP Bob

[@idw9159]

rip graham dilley as well as big bob, thanks for the memory of this unbelievable comeback win

[@neilanderson7721]

I watched this live and remember it like it was yesterday. It is a bowling spell that will never be forgotten. Vale Bob Willis - the lion!

[@TheBundleofkent]

Willis bowling in a trance- no emotion. Absolutely incredible performance

[@peteracton6360]

You are so right, I never realised that, he is in total focus and not getting carried away with the celebrations, incredible display.

[@markywellsboy2182]

He looked like he hated everybody, including his own team. Probably not as much as he hated Fred Trueman for not mentioning him in his speech after the match. Absolutely devastating spell of violent bowling. RIP, big man.

[@Andrew-cl7kg]

One of the greatest days in English sport simply fantastic

[@hanifkhan8822]

remember bob willis growing up , his unique run up and fast pace made him special . after he retired his commentary was always good and unbiased too , top man . rip bob willis

[@foliumofdescartes7949]

At 8.00, the man who is bowling, the man who was batting and the man who took the catch are all gone from this world. Rest in peace Bob Willis, Rod Marsh and Graham Dilley.......

[@deskehoe8608]

Still get shivers. This series got me as a 10 Yr old into cricket. Bob Willis RIP

[@neilmurrell281]

I sat watching this with my late Dad and it still makes me nervous watching it now. Bob Willis delivering probably the most destructive and devastating fast bowling I've ever seen. Thank you for that.

[@johnledingham852]

A great victory for England to be sure. What a show by Bob Willis. I recall listening to these moments being broadcast on ABC radio. Caught up with replays on television. But all these years later, whilst enjoying the replay on KZbin, what I'm enjoying the most are the mellow sounds of Richie Benaud's commentary. Unbiased and accurate in every detail. Cricket and Richie...how good is that?

[@rameshpandya9626]

This remarkable bowling spell is the magnificent salient feature of late Bob Willis .While I was young of 25, l had listened to this event on radio.what a beautiful run up& bowling action he had! Hats off.

[@garryscanlan235]

Me too. I was 25 yrs old in Wales sunbathing in a pub camp site next to my Triumph Spitfire, DAR 485K, the driver's door open so my mate and I could listen to TMS. I remember leaping up at the point of victory from lying down and receiving the corner of said door in my head. Happy days.

[@mk1productions546]

Truly wonderful great days, great players great commentators great BBC coverage happy times gone forever 😢😢

[@agnostic47]

I remember watching this spell. I have never seen anyone bowl "in the zone" like that before or since. Scarily determined. Willis carried the England pace attack for years. RIP RGD Willis.

[@shirleydrury5565]

Bob thank you for your talent and spirt I watched this as child in 81 and was thrilled . R.i.p god bless thank u 😊❤❤

[@jordansullivan4150]

Watching this back no more than an hour of Bobs death was announced. An outstanding cricketer and a great pundit. Great innings Bob, rest easy.

[@Koolhais]

Rip Bob Willis. Thanks for the memories and the superb commentary big man! This spell will never be forgotten as long as cricket is played!

[@portcullis5622]

Sad news about Bob Willis today. Makes me feel old, as it does not seem that long ago that, as a teenager, I was watching him bowl for England. :(

[@angelacooper2661]

I would be younger than you, as I was eleven and leaving junior school at the time. Willis' demise I remember hearing about - he was 70 and so twenty one years older than me. Makes me feel old; forty one years ago and my childhood. I am now fifty two!

[@noelwilson5960]

Classic. Great England team, full of characters and they raised one anothers game. Bob Willis. Legend. It was a long hot summer, even in Scotland that year.

[@davidscott743]

Richie benaud, best cricket commentator ever

[@WiggyVideos13]

Could have listened to Richie Benaud & Tony Greig all day....

[@pmonkeygeezer6212]

What a maaarrrvelous catch .... that was.

[@davidberry8808]

" splendid effort that I thought " RB the best .

[@erniebishop8641]

the best SPORTS commentator ever

[@TheOldHacker]

Definitely. And one of the most imitated as well :-)

[@TheShotenZenjin]

Those were the days, when the crowd could run on the field and even grab a stump!

[@jamiengo2343]

What I’ve noticed about older matches is the regularity of pitch invasions! The good old days!

[@daveragby5672]

Amazing - thank you for sharing - RIP the great Bob Willis - I will always remember being a teenager picking strawberries in a field in Kent to earn some pocket money listening to the coverage of that test - I was really rooting for Bob Willis and every time he took a wicket I screamed and shouted across the field - one of the greatest fast bowlers this country has ever produced

[@keithlemon457]

I remember watching that live - one of the most amazing matches I have ever witnessed. This film brought back so many memories of that great England team. Nostalgia is a wonderful thing !

[@neilpountney9414]

I still get goosebumps 42 years later, what an amazing game.

[@paul68z]

I was at home by myself on a study leave. Took a break to watch the cricket expecting Australia to win. Then Bob took a wicket so I thought I’d watch a bit more and eventually ended up watching to the end. Apparently traders in the City stopped trading shares and started watching the cricket as the day progressed and you will see the near empty ground filling up as the day went on. Amazing moment. Good old Bob. Great character and sportsman.

[@navillus15]

It’s amazing to think that two of the (comparatively) unsung heroes in Willis and Dilley are sadly no longer with us.

[@noncaustic]

Was lucky enough to witness this live as a wide eyed 12 year old...vivid memories just as if it were yesterday

[@jamesburt9818]

Funny xx

[@sridharr4251]

I heard radio running commentary. This was an awesome test match - Botham 149 was unbelievable. Then Willis ripped thru Aussies 80s cricket was competitive and fierce.. ashes at its best. Can't ask for more 👍👍👍

[@pigsbishop99]

RIP Bob Willis who died today. He'll be remembered and missed.

[@gaius_enceladus]

NZer here - Willis was a real legend of the game! Unmistakable with his approach to the wicket and his big bouncing head of hair!

[@harryhole3704]

Richie Benaud along with John Arlott as the best cricket commentators that I have ever been privalidged to listen to..

[@PalladiumTV]

Yes

[@martinjf467]

Thank you SO MUCH for posting this video. That was one of the best days of my life! I used to work for the BBC and I had been on duty in vision (matching the cameras) at Headingly the day before when Botham had his prodigious knock, but I went home rather depressed because, despite a creditable innings it was obvious Australia would win with such a low target and so many class batsmen. The following morning I sat down in front of the telly (sound off, Test Match Special up on the radio!!!) because I had nothing much I fancied doing on my day off. AND WHAT A DAY OFF it turned out to be! I remember a flurry of wickets and then with hardly anyone left the Aussies dug in and the depression returned… then that final wicket! Woot woot!!!

[@suhass997]

Lucky you for having seen that match live with the BBC. It must have been wonderful. Long live the memories.

[@Robylazarus]

THE legend of Bob Willis --- Rest in peace.

[@arundevadiga4883]

Superb spell by Willis. He really bowled his heart out

[@mikebaty617]

a wonderful moment in time that shall never be forgotten. Bob will always be remembered by those who care about the wonderful game of test cricket.

[@SOUMIKGHOSHsoghosh4]

RIP Bob Willis...Legend forever...

[@neilhutchinson4545]

R.I.P. Bob Willis, one of England's finest bowlers, and a superb commentator.

[@VUKKAKE]

RIP Willis. What an exceptional bowler and pundit

[@Rhialto-the-Marvellous]

Cometh the hour, cometh the man! When the BBC's licence fee was value for money; cricket was pure theatre, without crass props and high fiving; the commentary was beautifully understated; and the West Indies remained the greatest team of the 80s. And yet still, like many observers, after the revelation of Marsh's and Lillee's betting, a degree of doubt over the legitimacy of the result ultimately robbed those of us who were captivated and enthralled in real time by this remarkable sporting achievement, of the unadulterated pleasure it so richly deserved. Shame on you, may your wattle forever droop!

[@andrewdipplecomedy]

I particularly enjoy every how time Doctor Who picks up a wicket, he puts on another jumper

[@nick1065]

Yes, he was obviously a very dangerous last ball an over bowler.

[@terranceparsons5185]

I think CMJ was an excellent commentator. His "what a triumph it would be for him if he is still there at 6 o'clock this evening" when Botham began his second innings is legendary.

[@michaelforsyth465]

One Magic Summers Day in a different England.

[@karlbudd3812]

is it though?

[@hughgrection4205]

Its different alright

[@jamesallen712]

Sat glued to the TV watching the wickets fall and running into the kitchen telling my parents everytime one fell. Amazing match. Was it 37 years ago!!!

[@eccehomer8182]

During the afternoon session, I was in a bizarre lesson at school called Citizenship, which was taken by a Games teacher called Mr Cottrell. He brought in a transistor radio and we were all on the edge of our seats - including all of the girls. Great memories and a great lesson from Mr C. :D

[@denzilvallance9046]

37 years before that it was 1944. Amazing

[@jillgibb4022]

I can watch this video over and over again. It was wonderful.

[@cosmic4037]

RIP Bob...4 dec 19...best and only true fast baller England had at the time, a unsung hero.

[@garthb5139]

Five slips is such an alpha field setting. With Bob and his magnificent barnet steaming in there was only one outcome possible.

[@mikedavies9953]

Deffo was Bobs finest hour a very underated bowler who had he bowled on the bone hard surfaces of Australia or the Caribean would have a much improved test record as his style was made for it

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Watched the whole test live on the BBC and I loved bothams innings and was willing dilley to stay with him just to avoid the follow on, but what a final days bowling by big bob and you could see he was fired up by nearly ignoring his team mates when he took a wicket

[@rajivkumarsharma2201]

Deadly combination.. Bob Willis, Ian Botham & Ghram Dilly 🔥 with spin magic of Dareck Underwood ❤️

[@davidcartmell2141]

derek underwood didn't play in 81'

[@hanajinks1044]

@@davidcartmell2141 No, it was Darleck Underwood - no relation to Derek.

[@paulmeekcoms217]

Wonderful memories of a time when everyone (not just cricket fans) were talking about cricket. The likes of Bob Willis and Ian Botham gave us something to be proud of. RIP Bob. You will be missed.

[@karlatkin01]

School came a second best when these tests were on i had many sickness bugs to enjoy the test matches ,,happy memories ,,

[@calldyuk1751]

Best bowling spell ever, Bob had the best run up, he's spinning discs from behind until he lifts his arm up and launches a brutal missile.

[@benlong4277]

RIP Bob. Legend of a player. Legend of a commentator. Legend of a man. Will be sorely missed.

[@deplorabled1695]

Headingly, scene of the best English Test Match comebacks in history! Stokes and Willis, enduring legends forever more!

[@iansadler4309]

Erm - think Botham had something to do with it.

[@deplorabled1695]

@@iansadler4309 Yes he did indeed.... a wonderful innings!

[@ebojfmdboojoh4023]

@@iansadler4309 He did but his innings only gave England a small chance. If it wasn't for Willis' Superb bowling England would never have won. Also Chris old batting at 10 scored 29. Seeing as England only won by 18 runs, you could argue that it was Chris Old who was pivotal to the victory

[@bouwebear597]

As a 15 year-old Aussie, I remember watching this on the old B&W TV at 3AM in Australia, torturing myself with ever-fading hopes that our team would scrape through and avoid such a monumental embarrassment. I did not enjoy watching this at the time, but now is a different story. Considering the almost 20-year domination Australia enjoyed a little later under the respective captainships of Border, Taylor, Waugh and Ponting, I am really glad this happened and actually enjoyed seeing England have this wonderful victory. A win like this goes beyond different allegiances to different nations and should be savoured by all as a special moment in the history of the game. I felt a vicarious "pride" as though I had changed allegiances and become Pommie just for a moment. A magnificent performance to be always remembered. A cheque for 1750 pounds to the winning team! They could almost buy a round of drinks for the Aussies with prizemoney like that!! ....although considering Lillee and Marsh bet against their own team at 500/1 they probably didn't need it ;)

[@1980extremeG]

Well said. I was only 1 year old in 1981 so i obviously didn't watch this test match live but my old man used to talk about this test when he would play cricket in our garden with me and my brother when we were kids. I finally watched it on video cassette (showing my age a bit here!) years later when I was a teenager and I was transfixed to the screen; it was so entertaining. I was ecstatic for England of course but to this day I'm still totally astounded by the Australian collapse; just how the hell did they lose this test?! Also you are right about the subsequent Australian dominance; as a teenager in the 90s I never looked forward to the ashes. The gulf in class was astronomical; I had to endure relentless humiliating test defeats by your lot. And it wasn't even close, we never put up a fight because Australia were far superior to England in those days. We had some good players but the selectors kept changing the team all the time so therefore we never gelled as a unit (actually I think your 2nd XI would have beaten us) and that Australian cricket team is probably the best I have ever seen. However; things levelled off in the 2005 ashes series which an exciting spectacle (glad we won but even if we didn't I was happy because at least we put up a fight, the test matches weren't so embarrassingly one sided!) and since then the ashes have been back and forth between England and Australia. I love the ashes!

[@Wolfington]

As much as I love Punter Ponting I wouldn't include him in the domination list

[@T-1001]

Didn't Ponting win one ashes series and and lose 3 as captain?

[@bouwebear597]

Yeah, I must have blocked that out ;) ...I guess I was thinking more in general about the team's dominance for most of his captaincy in world cricket overall, notwithstanding his poor record in the Ashes. Obviously they were on the downward slope after a long period at the top....I wish you hadn't reminded me of that :(

[@T-1001]

Bouwe Bear I'm afraid I had to as an Englishman. I remember the 90's too well. Ponting was still a good captain but you guys had lost some very good players whereas we had dragged ourselves up to become the best team in the world at least for a short time before things started falling apart again.

[@mhoppy6639]

Back when we could watch it free to air! Was it 2005 the last time that happened? Wonderful stuff. I watched all the tussles with the Aussies through the 80s and it was truly brilliant seeing all these images again.

[@panchopuskas1]

That's when cricket shot itself in the foot selling it's sould to Sky. Kids don't get to see cricket these days and most working class kids only have a vague idea what cricket even is......

[@angelacooper2661]

I would have been eleven back then and in my last year at junior school, so grew up watching cricket on the BBC. Remember 2005 series, aged 35. Glenn McGrath is just four months older than me!!!

[@dorjon6121]

Bob Willis ON FIRE 🔥🔥🔥 And look at the movement of that Gatting fellow😂

[@Zebradeen]

RIP Bob Willis. What a Test Match this was! And a day to remember for the few who were there! Bob was very scary to watch and gave us hope which led to simply the best dramatic result ever!! Thanks Big Man xx

[@afc358]

I remember watching this live on holiday in Westgate as a 13 year old kid. Will stay with me forever.

[@kevanbrown7620]

I was 12. I will never forget it. Greatest test ever.👍

[@angelacooper2661]

I was eleven. Beefy my childhood hero!