'A Gentleman To The Core': Sourav Ganguly Pays Emotional Tribute To Bob Simpson
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly mourned the death of legendary Australian cricketer Bob Simpson, who passed away at 89.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed sadness over the passing of legendary Australian cricketer Bob Simpson, describing him as 'a gentleman to the core." Ganguly mentioned that his memories of being with Simpson during the 1999 World Cup and his stint with Lancashire will remain in his heart.
On Saturday, Cricket Australia (CA) announced that Simpson had died in Sydney at the age of 89. Simpson played 62 Tests for Australia from 1957 to 1978, scoring 4869 runs at an average of 46.81, including 10 centuries and 27 half-centuries, with a highest score of 311.
Simpson was also a consultant with the Indian team in 1999 and coached Leicestershire and Lancashire in county cricket in England.
'RIP Bob Simpson.. our memories of 1999 World Cup and my stint with you in Lancashire will always be in my heart and memories. A gentleman to the core," wrote Ganguly on his 'X' account on Saturday.
RIP Bob Simpson .. our memories of 1999 World Cup and my stint with you in Lanchashire will always be in my heart and memories . A gentleman to the core pic.twitter.com/hcWBpEUtBP — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) August 16, 2025
Who Was Bob Simpson?
Simpson took 110 catches and 71 wickets at an average of 42.26, with two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 5/57 in Tests. He captained Australia in 39 Tests and, as head coach from 1986 to 1996, led Australia to victory in the 1987 World Cup, the 1989 Ashes in England, and an away series win over the West Indies in 1995.
Simpson is particularly remembered for his decision to come out of retirement at the age of 41 to lead Australia during the advent of World Series Cricket, captaining a team without many established players to a 3-2 home victory over India and a challenging tour of the West Indies.
Former England wicketkeeper-batter Jack Russell also paid tribute to Simpson, saying, 'Very sad news. Top man. Enjoyed his company and encouragement. With Allan Border, took Australia to another level in 1989 and kick-started Australia's long period of dominance. #RIPBobbySimpson," he wrote on X.
Simpson was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1978 and an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2007. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2006.
(With inputs from IANS)
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