Who is Bob Simpson? Know Former Australia captain and coach who made Test comeback at 41
Know who is the former Australia captain and coach, Bob Simpson, who made his Test comeback at an age of 89.
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The Australian cricket team has lost its former captain and coach, Bob Simpson, who died in Sydney at the age of 89 on the morning of August 16. He was one of the most influential players in their history, having played 62 Tests between 1957 and 1978, with an average of 46.81, thanks to 27 half-centuries and 10 centuries at the best score of 311 runs.
In first-class cricket of Australia, for New South Wales, Simpson clubbed 21029 runs in 436 innings at an average of over 56, with 60 centuries and 100 half-centuries at the best score of 359. With the ball, he picked up 349 wickets at an average of 38.07.
Initially, Simpson retired from the game in 1968 after an 11-year career as one of the finest openers of the country. But then, he decided to make his return to the game as Test captain in Australia’s hour of need post the World Series in 1977. He led the side to five home Tests against India and five away Tests in the Caribbean at the age of 41.
Know Bob Simposon who made his Test comeback for Australia at 41
Against England, in Manchester in 1964, Simpson celebrated his maiden Test century in the 30th fixture. It was followed by two more double centuries and an average of more than 54 as the captain after not making a century and carrying an average of 33.67 before he took the role from Richie Benaud during the 1963-64 home summer.
Simpson and Bill Lawry still have the record for the highest Test opening partnership against West Indies of 382 runs. He was again called up to the cricket board in 1986 during their poor Test performance in 1968 as a nation, where they didn’t earn a series victory for more than two years.
Along with captain Allan Border, the Sydney-born was instrumental in developing a culture of discipline and hard work for the young players who were selected in the younger group, including Dean Jones, Steve Waugh, Merv Hughes, and David Boon. In 1987, he was included in the selection panel chaired by Laurie Sawle, where he picked up the players of the golden era of Australian cricket, including Mark Waugh, Shane Warne, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, and others.
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