The former Australia captain and coach, Bob Simpson, has passed away at the age of 89 in Sydney. It’s a huge loss for Australian cricket, which has now lost a giant in the form of their former captain and coach. He was succeeded as the coach by one of his former players, Geoff Marsh, as the more senior side shifted their style under the leadership of Mark Taylor since Allan Border retired in 1994.

Simpson went on to coach Leicestershire and Lancashire for short periods of English cricket. Interestingly, Simpson worked as the coaching advisor for Rajasthan during the Ranji Trophy in India and the consultant for India’s men’s team during the late 1990s.

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“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. 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, and his coaching set the foundation for a golden era for Australian cricket.” Cricket Australia chair, Mike Baird, expressed.

Former Australia captain and coach Bob Simpson dies at 89

In his 70s, he coached the Netherlands through a successful qualification campaign during the 2007 World Cup.  He was appointed as a member of the Order of Australia in 1978, which was upgraded in 2008 for his services as a coach, consultant, and administrator. In 1965, he was named the cricketer of the year in Wisden.

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

Bob smashed 4869 runs in 111 innings of Test cricket at an average of 46.81, scoring 10 centuries and seven half-centuries at the best score of 311 runs. In the FC format for New South Wales, he drilled 21029 runs in 436 innings, thanks to 60 centuries and 100 fifties, besides bagging 349 wickets at an average of 38.

He initially retired from the game in 1968, having captained in 29 of the 50 Test matches. But then, he made a return as the leader of the side at the age of 41 and went on to lead them during the two five-match home series against India and five-away Tests against West Indies in the Caribbean.

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.

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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.