Former Australia Captain and Coach Bob Simpson Dies at 89

Former Australia Test captain Bob Simpson, a pivotal figure in shaping the country’s modern cricketing success, has died aged 89, Cricket Australia confirmed on Saturday.

Simpson played 62 Tests between 1957 and 1978, scoring 4,869 runs with 10 centuries and taking 71 wickets with his leg-spin. Renowned as one of the finest slip fielders in the game’s history, he first retired in 1968 but returned nine years later at age 41 to captain Australia during the turbulence of World Series Cricket.

“Bob Simpson was one of the greats of Australian cricket… his coaching set the foundation for a golden generation,” said Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird.

As national coach, Simpson transformed an undisciplined side under Allan Border into a world-beating outfit, winning the 1987 World Cup and regaining both the Ashes and the Frank Worrell Trophy.

Leg-spin legend Shane Warne once called Simpson the best coach he ever had, crediting him for his early development.

Beyond Australia, Simpson also coached Lancashire, the Netherlands, and worked with India in the late 1990s.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute, writing on X:

“As a player, captain and then era-defining coach, he set the highest of standards… He will be long remembered by the game he loved.”