Former Australia captain and coach Bob Simpson dies at 89

Overview

• Former Australia captain Bob Simpson has passed away at the age of 89.
• Simpson made his debut for Australia in 1957 and went on to play 62 Tests until 1978.
• As captain, he led the side in 39 Tests and won 12 of them.

Former Australia captain Bob Simpson has passed away at the age of 89. Simpson made his debut for Australia in 1957 and went on to play 62 Tests until 1978. He scored 4,869 runs at an impressive average of 46.81 and also picked up 71 wickets. As captain, he led the side in 39 Tests and won 12 of them.

In 1968, Simpson retired from international cricket but made a remarkable comeback in 1977. At the age of 41, he came out of retirement to lead Australia during the World Series Cricket era. Later, he also had a successful stint as Australia’s full-time head coach. Under his guidance, the Aussies lifted the 1987 World Cup, won four Ashes series, and claimed the 1995 Frank Worrell Trophy.

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In 1996, he stepped down as head coach and later served as a national selector.

Cricket Australia Chairman Mike Baird paid tribute to Simpson in a statement. “Bob Simpson was one of the greats of Australian cricket and this is a sad day for anyone fortunate to have watched him play or who benefited from his wisdom,” Baird said.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia, I would like to express my warmest condolences to Bob’s family" - Baird

“As a brilliant opening batter, incredible slips fielder and handy spin bowler, Bob was a mainstay of a very strong Australian team in the 1960s, and he became a leader across the game as Australian and New South Wales captain and as a coach.”

“Bob’s decision to come out of retirement to successfully lead the Australian team during the advent of World Series Cricket in 1977 was a wonderful service to the game, and his coaching set the foundation for a golden era for Australian cricket. On behalf of Cricket Australia, I would like to express my warmest condolences to Bob’s family, friends, teammates and all those touched by his vast contribution to cricket,” he added.

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For his remarkable contributions, Simpson was honoured with several recognitions. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2006, and the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013.

Australia are currently playing a three-match home T20I series against South Africa. Cricket Australia has confirmed that ahead of the third and final T20I in Cairns on August 16, the team will pay tribute to Simpson with a moment’s silence.