Legendary Australian cricketer and former captain Bob Simpson dies at 89
Legendary Australian cricketer and former captain Bob Simpson dies at 89
Digital Desk: Bob Simpson, an Australian cricket legend and former captain, passed away at the age of 89. Throughout his career, which saw him play his final Test match 21 years after his first, Simpson is most remembered as Australia's marathon man, who set the standard on the international scene.
On Saturday, Cricket Australia (CA) released a report. "RIP to a true cricket legend," CA wrote in a post on X. "Bob Simpson was a powerful figure in Australian cricket who gave our game his all as a Test player, captain, coach, and national selector. Cricket Australia sends its condolences to Bob's family and friends."
RIP to a true cricket legend.
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) August 16, 2025
A Test cricketer, captain, coach and national selector - Bob Simpson was a mighty figure in Australian cricket, giving everything to our game.
Cricket Australia extends our thoughts and sympathies to Bob’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/U8yGeZNmCb
Simpson made his debut for Australia in 1957 and announced his retirement in 1968, but he would make headlines almost ten years later when, at the age of forty-one, he returned to the national team to help it regain some stability as the World Series of Cricket eliminated some of the biggest names in cricket.
Long after he departed as head coach in 1996, Simpson's influence persisted as he played a pivotal role in Australia's ascent to the top of the cricketing world in the 1990s.
According to Allan Border, Simpson's dedication to coaching, batting, and fielding training helped the Australians eventually turn things around and rank among the best teams in the world.
He played for Australia in 62 Test matches between 1957 and 1978, amassing 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81, including 10 hundreds, 27 fifties, and a highest score of 311 in 111 Innings. With his best figures of 5/57, he additionally took 71 wickets.
He captained Australia in 39 Test matches, with 12 victories, 12 defeats, and 15 draws. Additionally, he participated in two ODIs, taking two wickets and scoring 36 runs.
Australia, one of the greatest men of the second half of the 20th century, will both mourn and celebrate the player's legacy and success.
