Former England cricket captain Bob Willis has died aged 70 after a short illness, Sky Sports television reported.
The fast-bowler played in 90 Tests and 64 one-day internationals for England over more than a decade after his debut in 1971, retiring in 1984.
Willis, well remembered for his heroics in what became known as "Botham's Ashes" in 1981, worked for Sky Sports as a cricket expert for many years.
Botham would later describe his team-mate as a "tremendous trier, a great team man and an inspiration -- the only world-class fast bowler in my time as an England player."
Willis finished his Test career with 325 wickets, which puts him fourth on the all-time list of England wicket-takers behind James Anderson, Botham and Stuart Broad.
"We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather," read the Willis family statement.
"He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly."
The former international cricketer is survived by his wife Lauren, daughter Katie, brother David and sister Ann.
