In the world of cricket, Australian legend Bob Simpson died at the age of 89. He left behind a legacy that has inspired countless generations. Simpson’s exceptional Test career started in 1957 and lasted until 1978, earning him 62 Test matches for Australia. His contributions to the sport as an exceptional opening batter, a brilliant slip fielder, and a handy spin bowler have solidified his status as one of the game’s greats.
During his Test career, Simpson scored an impressive 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81, including ten centuries. He was a world class opening batsman with wonderful defensive technique and great footwork. In the field, he was a superstar, garnering praise as one of the greatest slip fielders of all time. Not content just to be a run scorer, Simpson was a very useful leg-spin bowler too and took 71 career wickets.
As it turns out, Simpson’s influence didn’t end when he replaced his cleats for suits. He captained his country and state of New South Wales and made the jump into coaching after his playing career. In 1986, he was named head coach of the Australian national team. He guided them through a dark period when they had not won a Test series in three years. Under his guidance, players such as Mark Waugh, Shane Warne, Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Glenn McGrath, and Ricky Ponting emerged as key figures in Australian cricket.
“Bob Simpson’s extraordinary service to Australian cricket spanned generations,” said Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He emphasized Simpson’s role as a player, captain, and coach who set high standards and will be remembered for his dedication to the sport.
In a remarkable turn of events, Simpson returned to captain the Australian team in 1978 at the age of 41. Under his leadership, his inspired captaincy steered a remarkably restructured team with the likes of an insatiable, iconic Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and David Boon. This particular comeback was glorious. It was a time of great turmoil for Australian cricket, with World Series Cricket just around the corner.
“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,” Albanese remarked. This is one of the things media histrionics forgot to mention, that Simpson’s coaching just begun to carve out a golden generation of Australian cricketers.
Mike Baird, chair of Cricket Australia, expressed his sadness at Simpson’s passing, stating, “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.”
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