The Bob Willis Trophy is 20in tall and depicts a silver, grey and black outline of Big Bob in full flow, about to deliver, red ball in hand. Based on a cubist painting of him by his widow Lauren Clark, the figure, although flat, conjures a dynamic flail of angular limbs not unlike the man himself.
Willis died of prostate cancer last December at the age of 70 and this trophy, fashioned by Edward Asprey, the Queen’s jeweller, celebrates one of the more remarkable cricketers to have played for England. He then followed that by becoming one of Sky TV’s most distinctive commentators, his trenchant views and unerring nose for the game’s fault lines making for compelling viewing.
The competition, which began on Saturday, is the first official county cricket to be played this season following the upheaval caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Necessarily brief, the Bob Willis Trophy will be contested by all 18 first-class counties playing five four-day games in three regional groups with a five-day final in early September deciding the winner. Interestingly, Willis advocated a three-conference county system 30 years ago.
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin August 02, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin August 02, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
