Did Former Australia Captain Bob Simpson Really Pass Away at 89?

Sydney, Aug 16 (NationPress) Bob Simpson, the esteemed former captain and coach of the Australian cricket team, has sadly passed away in Sydney on Saturday at the age of 89.

As a towering presence in Australian cricket, Simpson participated in 62 Tests and later took on the role of the team’s first full-time coach, significantly contributing to the resurgence of Australian cricket during the late 1980s and 1990s, particularly under the leadership of Allan Border and Mark Taylor.

Mike Baird, the chairman of Cricket Australia, remarked, “Bob Simpson was one of the greats of Australian cricket, and this is a sad day for everyone privileged to have witnessed his play or who gained from his wisdom.”

Baird further stated, “Bob's choice to come out of retirement to lead the Australian team during the onset of World Series Cricket in 1977 was a remarkable contribution to the sport, and his coaching laid the groundwork for a golden era for Australian cricket.”

Simpson made his Test debut in 1957 against South Africa, amassing a total of 4,869 runs with an impressive average of 46.81. His career highlights include 10 centuries and 27 half-centuries. Initially picked as an all-rounder, Simpson transformed into a reliable opening batsman throughout the 1960s. In 1964, he achieved a then-record by scoring 1,381 runs in a single calendar year, including his highest Test score of 311 against England in Manchester. Over the next two years, he added two more double centuries to his impressive tally.

“Bob Simpson’s remarkable contributions to Australian cricket spanned generations. As a player, captain, and then a defining coach, he set the highest standards for himself and the champions he led. He will be fondly remembered by the sport he cherished. May he rest in peace,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed on X.

In addition to his batting skills, Simpson was a proficient leg-spinner, taking 71 wickets in Tests. He was also celebrated for his exceptional fielding in the slips. His best bowling figures were recorded in his final Test before his first retirement, achieving an eight-wicket haul against India, which included one of his two five-wicket hauls in Tests.

After concluding his career following the 1968 home series against India, Simpson made a remarkable comeback in 1977 at the age of 41 to once again captain Australia, stepping in after several players joined World Series Cricket. He led the team during the home series against India and on the tour to the West Indies before retiring from the game once again.