Cricket world rocked by Bob Simpson news as tributes flow for legendary Aussie
He played played 62 Tests for Australia and scored 4,689 runs in a glittering red-ball career for the national side that included 10 centuries and 27 half centuries. Simpson also took 71 wickets in his Test career and was regarded as one of the country's greatest ever slip-fielders, taking a staggering 110 catches for the national side.
His average of almost one catch per innings is the greatest in Test history, outside of wicketkeepers. Simpson was just 16 when he made his first-class debut for New South Wales against Victoria, and played 257 first class matches, scoring 21,029 runs at an average of 56.22.
That included 60 centuries and 100 half centuries and a top score of 359. He took 383 catches and 349 wickets at an average of 38.07 with best figures of 5-33 with his leg-spin.
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
Simpson made his Test debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in 1957. And his first century came in an Ashes Test at Old Trafford in 1964, where Simpson went on to score 311. He is one of only seven Australians to make a Test triple-century in the nation's long and proud history in the sport.
Simpson formed a formidable opening partnership with the late Bill Lawry in the 1960s and was an exceptional accumulator of runs. He was also the second Australian (after Don Bradman) to make 300 in a Test, with the memorable 311 against England at Old Trafford in 1964 cementing Simpson's legendary status.
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He served as vice-captain of both NSW and Australia under Richie Benaud, and led the national team for the first time against South Africa in 1964 after Benaud injured himself playing grade cricket. Simpson led the team in tours of the UK, the West Indies and India, but decided to retire from representative cricket in 1965, playing his last match in Sydney against India under the captaincy of Lawry.
Nine years after his retirement as a Test player, World Series Cricket divided the game and Simpson returned in 1977 at the age of 41 to lead the Australian team for Test series against India and the West Indies. After his playing career he went on to coach in five of the 10 Test-playing countries.
It was his achievements as Australia's coach that Simpson was most proud of and earned him even greater respect around the cricket world. Simpson coached Australia between 1986 and 1996, a decade in which Australia emerged from a lean period to become the powerhouse of the modern game.
Anthony Albanese leads tributes to Bob Simpson
Prime Minister Albanese was among those to praise the incredible legacy Simpson left on Australian cricket. "Bob Simpson's extraordinary service to Australian cricket spanned generations," the PM wrote on social media. "As a player, captain and then era-defining coach, he set the highest of standards for himself and the champions he led. He will be long remembered by the game he loved. May he rest in peace."
The Aussie team is set to mark the sad news by wearing black armbands and observing a moment's silence for the cricket legend before tonight's T20 international against South Africa in Cairns. "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," Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said in a statement.
"As a brilliant opening batter, incredible slips fielder, and handy spin bowler, Bob was a mainstay of a very strong Australian team in the 1960s, and he became a leader across the game as Australian and New South Wales captain and as a coach. 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. On behalf of Cricket Australia, I would like to express my warmest condolences to Bob's family, friends, teammates, and all those touched by his vast contribution to cricket."
Bob Simpson's extraordinary service to Australian cricket spanned generations. As a player, captain and then era-defining coach, he set the highest of standards for himself and the champions he led. He will be long remembered by the game he loved.May he rest in peace.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 16, 2025
Vale #thegodfather just trying to think who else is left from the 60s... Harvey (may he make another ton), Hoare, Lawry, Veivers,Connolly, ChappellI, Walters, Sheahan and Invers ...... crikey the list getting smaller and smaller !
— Redders Sredder (@SReddeR11) August 16, 2025
Today is a tough day for world cricket 🏏🇦🇺 . Rest in peace, Bob Simpson. You will be missed. 🙏
— Elizabeth MA 🦉 (@Elizabethma6666) August 16, 2025
Cricket Victoria would like to pay tribute to former Test player and Australian men's coach Bob Simpson, following his passing at 89. We extend our condolences to Bob's family, friends and the many staff and players he worked with. Vale. pic.twitter.com/ZTXOfq5oBz
— Cricket Victoria (@cricketvictoria) August 16, 2025
Bob Simpson and Allan Border picked Australian cricket up off its knees and began the long trek back to world dominance An Australian sporting legend as a player and coachRIP Bob 🙏
— 91 03 21 22 23 24 PREMIERS 🐾🏆 (@SnoogThe) August 16, 2025
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