The start of the first ODI between India and England at Edgbaston included a special 45-second round of applause to remember former England captain Bob Willis. The tribute was part of the final 'Blue for Bob' Day, a campaign created to raise awareness about prostate cancer.
The campaign began after Willis passed away from prostate cancer in 2019. Since 2021, it has become a regular part of England’s home cricket season. Over the past six years, The Bob Willis Fund has raised more than £2.2 million (around INR 28.35 crore). The money has helped support research, spread awareness, and encourage early testing for prostate cancer.
Looking back on the campaign, Bob’s wife and co-founder of The Bob Willis Fund, Lauren Clark, said that Blue for Bob started as a way to honor her husband and help other families avoid the pain they experienced. She added that this final edition was an opportunity to thank everyone who supported the cause and encourage one last round of donations to help save lives.
England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook also paid tribute to Willis. He said Bob was a huge name in cricket and that the players were proud to be part of the final tribute. Brook added that if the campaign encouraged even one person to get checked early, it would be a meaningful legacy.
Who was Bob Willis?
Bob Willis was one of England’s finest fast bowlers and later became one of the country’s most respected cricket broadcasters. He represented England in 90 Test matches between 1971 and 1984 and picked up 325 wickets.
His most famous performance came during the 1981 Ashes Test at Headingley, where he produced a remarkable spell of 8 wickets for 43 runs to help England pull off one of the greatest comeback victories in cricket history against Australia.
Known for his long run-up and fiery pace, Willis also led England in 18 Test matches before retiring from international cricket.