Aussies mourn legend Bob Simpson’s demise
Former Australian captain and coach Bob Simpson has passed away at 89. Renowned as an opening batter, fielder, spinner, and coach, Simpson led Australia to Ashes, World Cup, and West Indies series victories and was widely respected in international cricket.
HYDERABAD: Cricket Australia (CA) is mourning the passing of former Australian captain and coach Bob Simpson aged 89.
One of the greats of Australian cricket, Simpson made an indelible mark on the game as a champion opening batter, brilliant slips fielder and handy leg spinner; and as a respected and long-serving coach including of the Australian men’s team.
Robert Baddeley Simpson played 62 Tests for Australia between 1957 and 1978 scoring 4869 runs at 46.81 including 10 centuries, 27 half-centuries with a top score of 311. He took 110 catches and 71 wickets at 42.26 with two five wicket hauls and best figures of 5/57.
Simpson was just 16 when he made his first-class debut for New South Wales against Victoria.
He went on to play 257 first class matches including for New South Wales and Western Australia, making 21,029 runs at 56.22 with 60 centuries and 100 half centuries and a top score of 359. He took 383 catches and 349 wickets at 38.07 with best figures of 5/33.
An opener renowned for his sound technique and ability to accumulate scores under pressure, Simpson’s epic maiden Test century – 311 in Australia’s score of 8/656 in the fourth Test at Old Trafford in 1964 to ensure retention of the Ashes, is long-remembered.
Captaining Australia in 39 of his 62 Tests, Simpson’s long-time opening partnership with Bill Lawry was recognised as one of the most significant in Australian Test history and included a record 382 run opening stand against the West Indies in 1965.
Simpson is renowned particularly for his decision to come out of retirement aged 41 to lead Australia upon the advent of World Series Cricket, captaining a team devoid of many established players to an eventful 3-2 home victory over India and on a difficult tour of the West Indies.
As national coach from 1986 to 1996, Simpson was instrumental in the revival of the Australian team’s fortunes, including victory in the 1987 World Cup, the 1989 Ashes series victory in England and an away series victory over the previously dominant West Indies in 1995.
Simpson was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1978 and an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2007. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2006.
The Australian team will pay tribute to Bob Simpson with a moment’s silence before tonight’s one day international against South Africa in Cairns and will also wear black arm bands.
Mike Baird, CA Chair said that 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.
