Former Australian captain and coach Bob Simpson passes away

Former Australian captain and coach Bob Simpson passed away at the age of 89 in Sydney, Cricket Australia (CA) reported on Saturday. In a post on X, CA said, "RIP to a true cricket legend. 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."

RIP to a true cricket legend.

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

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) August 16, 2025

Simpson was a key figure in Australia's rise to the top of the cricketing world in the 1990s, and his impact lasted long after he left as a head coach in 1996. Simpson became the full-time coach for Aussies when the Allan Border-led side was facing a massive decline in fortunes and was in the middle of a winless run that stretched out for three years. It was the Simpson-Border duo which instilled their mindset in the upcoming crop of Aussie stars such as Steve Waugh, David Boon, Dean Jones and Craig McDermott. Simpson's commitment to training as a coach, in batting and in fielding helped Aussies eventually mark a turnaround and become one of the best sides in the game.

Then, later in 1989, Aussies produced another miracle. they arrived on England's shores as "possibly one of the worst sides to ever tour England". The Simpson-Border magic continued on the tour, as they won the six-match series by 4-0 to regain the Ashes. It would serve as a starting point of the Aussies' domination at the marquee series as they won the next eight of them in a row till England brought back the urn home with an iconic series win at their home. They brought back home the coveted Frank Worrell Trophy 20 years later.

During his days as a player from 1957 to 1978, he represented Australia in 62 Tests, scoring 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81, with 10 centuries and 27 fifties in 111 innings and a best score of 311. He also took 71 wickets with the best figures of 5/57. He led Australia in 39 Tests, winning 12, losing 12.CA chairperson Mike Baird hailed Simpson as one of "the greats" of Australian cricket. "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," he said.