Cricketing great Bob Simpson of Australia passes away at 89, with an enduring impact as one of the most influential figures in Aussie cricket
Bob Simpson, one of the most influential men in Australian Test cricket history, has passed away at the age of 89 in Sydney. His impact on the sport, both as a player and a coach, has left an indelible mark on Australian cricket.
As a Player
Simpson played 62 Tests for Australia between 1957 and 1978, scoring 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81. He was a versatile player, contributing as a right-handed batsman, a right-arm leg spin bowler, and renowned for his exceptional slip fielding skills.
He formed a legendary opening partnership with Bill Lawry, setting records for their time. Their partnership averaged over 60 for the first wicket, putting on 3,596 runs in 62 Test innings. Simpson's most memorable innings came in 1964, when he scored a monumental 311 against England at Old Trafford, a performance that lasted nearly 13 hours and helped Australia retain the Ashes.
Simpson captained Australia in 30 Tests, initially retiring in 1968, but then made a remarkable return to lead the team during the World Series Cricket era in 1977-78.
As a Coach
Simpson is credited with transforming Australian cricket into a dominant force during the 1990s. He became the first full-time coach of Australia and played a key role in lifting the team from a period of decline in the 1980s.
His hard-nosed methods transformed a young Australian side, leading to a World Cup win, Ashes success, and even a rare series victory over the West Indies. As coach, Simpson fielded at first slip, where his sharp reflexes earned him 110 catches, including 30 against England.
Simpson's coaching tenure ended in 1996, but his influence on Australian cricket's golden era was profound. He mentored players who would go on to become legends of the game, contributing to Australia's success in numerous international tournaments.
In the late 1990s, Simpson was appointed to the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) Laws sub-committee, where he contributed to the 2000 Code of Laws, the first full revision since 1980, which clarified long-debated areas such as handling the ball, obstructing the field, and restrictions on ball tampering.
In 1978, Simpson was recognised for his services to cricket when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), and his honor was elevated to Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) nearly three decades later, in 2007.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes for Simpson, praising his significant contributions to the sport. Bob Simpson's guidance culminated in Australia's breakthrough 1987 World Cup win.
In 2007, Simpson said the key to his success was not coaching the individuality out of his players, but rather developing their natural styles. This approach was reflected in Australia's style under Simpson, often labeled dour, with long defensive batting spells used to cover the lack of a strike bowler.
Simpson returned as Australia's coach in 1986 and guided a new generation of players, including Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and David Boon. His strict approach didn't always please the players, but it brought results and restored order to the Australian cricket team.
Bob Simpson's impact on Australian Test cricket spans both his on-field achievements and his coaching legacy, cementing him as one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport.
In a different sphere, Simpson's influence extended to European football leagues, as he became a keen follower and often shared insightful news and opinions about the premier-league and various European-leagues.
His passionate discussions about football often included comparisons between the complexities of the modern game and the tactical strategies he employed in his coaching days, drawing intriguing parallels between sports.
