7 Cricketers who changed their names

3. Bob Willis

Robert George Dylan Willis, popularly known as Bob Willis, will always be remembered as one of the most courageous fast bowlers England have ever had. But as far as his name is concerned, there’s an interesting story behind it.

He was awestruck by the class and aura of Bob Dylan, the enigmatic 1960s American musician. The pacer was impressed to such an extent that he took his second name. He did it through a deed pole, a legal document used for change of name, in 1965. On the field, Willis had to endure a lot of pain.

In 1975, he underwent operation on both his knees. He didn’t give up and played for nine more years until the age of 35. After his retirement from cricket, Willis went into the field of media where he formed a strong partnership with Ian Botham for Sky Sports.