Tributes have flooded social media following the news that legendary England cricketer Bob Willis has died.

Willis’s family announced the tragic news on Tuesday afternoon following a short illness, having passed away at the age of 70.

"We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather," his family said in a statement.

"He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly."

Willis ended his career with 325 Test wickets, which puts him fourth on the all-time list for England behind James Anderson, Ian Botham and Stuart Broad. His standout display at Headingley in taking eight wickets for 43 runs immortalised his legacy as one of the iconic displays in the third Ashes Test, swinging the series in England favour in what became known as ‘Botham’s Ashes’.

Bob Willis in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Bob Willis (l) and David Gower who were members of England's greatest Test Team to mark England's 1000th Test Match pictured during day 3 of the First Specsavers Test Match at Edgbaston on August 3, 2018. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Willis made his England debut against Australia in 1971. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Willis built a strong partnership with Ian Botham under the captaincy of Mike Brearley. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis England test cricketers including Willis enjoy a game of table cricket at Lords in London, before flying to Australia for a series in 1978. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Bob Willis celebrates with his teammates after wicket keeper Bob Taylor dismisses John Dyson of Australia during the Australian 2nd innings of the Third Ashes Test between England and Australia on 21st July 1981at the Headingley. It would be a match and victory that went on to define Willis' career. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Willis speaks to the media after his third Ashes Test heroics in 1981. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Willis was known for his jovial side off the pitch. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Once Willis retired he turned to a career in the media. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Bob Willis has Ray Bright of Australia caught behind by Alan Knott during the Fifth Ashes Test match at Old Trafford in the famous 1981 Ashes series. England won the match by 103 runs. Getty Images Bob Willis in pictures Bob Willis Bob Willis presents Tom Curran with his England cap in Australia in December 2017. Getty Images

The England and Wales Cricket Board posted a short message on Twitter that simply read “Cricket has lost a dear friend”, along with a statement on their website that read: “The ECB is deeply saddened to say farewell to Bob Willis, a legend of English cricket, at the age of 70.

"Bob spearheaded the England bowling attack for more than a decade and took 325 Test wickets.

“He will always be remembered for his outstanding cricket career, in particular his 8-43 in the dramatic Headingley Test victory over Australia in 1981.

“In later years as a broadcaster Bob was a perceptive and respected voice at the microphone.

“We are forever thankful for everything he has done for the game. Everyone at the ECB sends sincere condolences to his family. Cricket has lost a dear friend.”

Current managing director of England cricket Ashley Giles said: “Such sad news about Bob Willis, he was a great man.”

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club issued a statement that read: Yorkshire Cricket are devastated to hear of the passing of Bob Willis. One of the Headingley heroes from the 1981 Ashes triumph.”

Ex-England batsman Michael Carberry added: “Very sad to hear the passing of Bob Willis. Had the pleasure of working with him on @SkyCricket. Great man and knowledge of the game as well as a great bowler.#ripbobwillis.”

Willis continued to surround to sport after his retirement (Getty) (Getty Images)

Former England football captain Gary Lineker said: “Saddened to hear that Bob Willis has died. One of our greatest fast bowlers. Met him on many occasions and he was always great company with a sense of humour that was as sharp as his bowling. #RIPBob”

Former cricket correspondent of The Guardian Mike Selvey, a teammate of Willis for England, said: “Just received the saddest of sad news. Bob Willis, great fast bowler, opponent, team mate, room mate, and wonderful bloke has passed away. Condolences to Lauren and family.”

Television presenter Stephen Fry said: “Oh no, not Bob Willis... what joy he gave, and what a marvellous man. That 8 for 43. Used to lunch with him occasionally to talk cricket, Wagner and Bob Dylan, his three great passions.”

Willis forged a career in the media after retiring in 1984(Getty) (Getty Images)

After retiring from the game in 1984, Willis took to a media career and had been a prominent figure on Sky Sports for the last three decades.