Latest news with #BarbadosTest
Sydney Morning Herald
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
I played backyard cricket with Bob Simpson. He made one of the greatest comebacks in Australian sport
To start with, Simpson fielded in the deep in first-class cricket. It was the legendary Keith Miller who spotted Simpson's talent to field in the slips. Simmo took two diving catches to establish his position as a slip fielder throughout his Test career. He made his first-class debut for NSW against Victoria in 1952-53 as a 16-year-old. When Simpson was introduced to his teammates, the legendary Australian batter Arthur Morris joked as to where his nappies were! Simpson was grateful to another Aussie legend, vice-captain Neil Harvey, for his climb to the top. On Harvey's advice he tried opening the batting to replace Jim Burke, who had retired. When he found runs getting difficult he took Harvey's help, who advised the youngster that he was playing too square-on while defending on the back foot. He became one of the most consistent openers at Test level. In 62 Tests from 1957 to 1978 he amassed 4869 runs at an average of 46.81, hitting 10 centuries – his highest score being 311 against England at Old Trafford, Manchester in 1964. He also took 71 wickets at 42.26 (grabbing five wickets in an innings twice, his best spell being five for 57) and 110 catches. He was an astute rather than a dynamic captain. Simpson's 311 in the Old Trafford Test took 760 minutes, and he was criticised for his slow batting. The Daily Mail called it the 'murder of Test cricket'. At one stage, six journalists in the press box were seen dozing while he was batting. Simpson defended his tactics, asserting that with a series lead, batting England out of the match was the best way to retain the Ashes. In that same Test, he added 201 runs for the opening wicket with Bill Lawry. They did even better in the Barbados Test against West Indies in 1964, when they put on 382 runs for the first wicket, skipper Simpson scoring 201 and Lawry 210. They became the first opening pair to register double centuries in the same Test innings. Between them, they added 3596 runs in Tests at an average of 61. Simpson became the second Australian, after Don Bradman, to make a Test triple century in England. He was also the second batsman after Garry Sobers to record a triple century as his first Test hundred. A prolific scorer, Simpson recorded another triple century in first-class cricket: 359 for NSW against Queensland at Brisbane in 1963-64. He was also a strict but inspiring coach like Justin Langer. When Australia was looking for a full-time coach in the mid-1980s, Simpson was the Australian Cricket Board's choice. He gave Allan Border's team a taste of the discipline to which he had always submitted himself as a player. To quote writer Gideon Haigh, 'A martinet where fitness, fielding and batting technique were concerned, he held the job for a controversial but successful decade, during which time the team won the World Cup and regained both the Ashes and the Frank Worrell Trophy.' Simmo remained Australia's coach until he was replaced by Geoff Marsh in 1996. Under Simpson as coach, Australia improved from being a weak team to the strongest in the world. Apart from winning the 1987 World Cup, Australia regained the Ashes in England in 1989 and defeated the then-invincible West Indies in the Caribbean in 1995. Simpson later coached English counties Leicestershire and Lancashire, and also Rajasthan in India. I was privileged to sit next to Bob Simpson and his daughter Debbie at a function held by the Cricketers' Club of NSW in 1984, for the Richie Benaud Award for the Best Under-19 cricketer of the year. When schoolboy Mark Waugh won, Simpson was full of praise for the then 18-year-old Mark and his twin brother Steve. When I finished my book The Waugh Twins in 1998, I requested Bob write a foreword. He readily agreed, starting with: 'First, as the book is by Kersi Meher-Homji, I know it will be accurate, honest and a very good read. Secondly, the Waugh twins were a major part of my life for over a decade and I had the good fortune to be able to see and perhaps oversee their development from talented youngsters to champions.' His own biography, Simpson's Safari, was authored by R.S. Whitington in 1967. Simpson also wrote several books – my favourites being Simmo (1979) and Captain's Story (1966). He said of his career: 'It took me many years to become an overnight success.' Loading Simpson was made Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1965 and inducted as Order of Australia (AO) in 1985. He was also made Member of the Order of British Empire (MBE). He dedicated his autobiography, Simmo, to his wife and two daughters: 'To my three girls – Meg, Kim and Debbie'. Kim is married to former Test cricketer and chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch.
The Age
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Age
I played backyard cricket with Bob Simpson. He made one of the greatest comebacks in Australian sport
To start with, Simpson fielded in the deep in first-class cricket. It was the legendary Keith Miller who spotted Simpson's talent to field in the slips. Simmo took two diving catches to establish his position as a slip fielder throughout his Test career. He made his first-class debut for NSW against Victoria in 1952-53 as a 16-year-old. When Simpson was introduced to his teammates, the legendary Australian batter Arthur Morris joked as to where his nappies were! Simpson was grateful to another Aussie legend, vice-captain Neil Harvey, for his climb to the top. On Harvey's advice he tried opening the batting to replace Jim Burke, who had retired. When he found runs getting difficult he took Harvey's help, who advised the youngster that he was playing too square-on while defending on the back foot. He became one of the most consistent openers at Test level. In 62 Tests from 1957 to 1978 he amassed 4869 runs at an average of 46.81, hitting 10 centuries – his highest score being 311 against England at Old Trafford, Manchester in 1964. He also took 71 wickets at 42.26 (grabbing five wickets in an innings twice, his best spell being five for 57) and 110 catches. He was an astute rather than a dynamic captain. Simpson's 311 in the Old Trafford Test took 760 minutes, and he was criticised for his slow batting. The Daily Mail called it the 'murder of Test cricket'. At one stage, six journalists in the press box were seen dozing while he was batting. Simpson defended his tactics, asserting that with a series lead, batting England out of the match was the best way to retain the Ashes. In that same Test, he added 201 runs for the opening wicket with Bill Lawry. They did even better in the Barbados Test against West Indies in 1964, when they put on 382 runs for the first wicket, skipper Simpson scoring 201 and Lawry 210. They became the first opening pair to register double centuries in the same Test innings. Between them, they added 3596 runs in Tests at an average of 61. Simpson became the second Australian, after Don Bradman, to make a Test triple century in England. He was also the second batsman after Garry Sobers to record a triple century as his first Test hundred. A prolific scorer, Simpson recorded another triple century in first-class cricket: 359 for NSW against Queensland at Brisbane in 1963-64. He was also a strict but inspiring coach like Justin Langer. When Australia was looking for a full-time coach in the mid-1980s, Simpson was the Australian Cricket Board's choice. He gave Allan Border's team a taste of the discipline to which he had always submitted himself as a player. To quote writer Gideon Haigh, 'A martinet where fitness, fielding and batting technique were concerned, he held the job for a controversial but successful decade, during which time the team won the World Cup and regained both the Ashes and the Frank Worrell Trophy.' Simmo remained Australia's coach until he was replaced by Geoff Marsh in 1996. Under Simpson as coach, Australia improved from being a weak team to the strongest in the world. Apart from winning the 1987 World Cup, Australia regained the Ashes in England in 1989 and defeated the then-invincible West Indies in the Caribbean in 1995. Simpson later coached English counties Leicestershire and Lancashire, and also Rajasthan in India. I was privileged to sit next to Bob Simpson and his daughter Debbie at a function held by the Cricketers' Club of NSW in 1984, for the Richie Benaud Award for the Best Under-19 cricketer of the year. When schoolboy Mark Waugh won, Simpson was full of praise for the then 18-year-old Mark and his twin brother Steve. When I finished my book The Waugh Twins in 1998, I requested Bob write a foreword. He readily agreed, starting with: 'First, as the book is by Kersi Meher-Homji, I know it will be accurate, honest and a very good read. Secondly, the Waugh twins were a major part of my life for over a decade and I had the good fortune to be able to see and perhaps oversee their development from talented youngsters to champions.' His own biography, Simpson's Safari, was authored by R.S. Whitington in 1967. Simpson also wrote several books – my favourites being Simmo (1979) and Captain's Story (1966). He said of his career: 'It took me many years to become an overnight success.' Loading Simpson was made Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1965 and inducted as Order of Australia (AO) in 1985. He was also made Member of the Order of British Empire (MBE). He dedicated his autobiography, Simmo, to his wife and two daughters: 'To my three girls – Meg, Kim and Debbie'. Kim is married to former Test cricketer and chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch.
India Today
04-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
WI vs AUS, 2nd Test: Beau Webster, Alex Carey put in yet another rescue act in Greneda
Alex Carey and Beau Webster staged a crucial rescue act for Australia on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, guiding the home side to 286 after a dramatic top-order collapse in Brisbane on found themselves in deep trouble at 110 for 5 shortly after lunch, undone by a sharp four-pronged pace attack. But Carey and Webster combined to add 112 valuable runs for the sixth wicket in just 25 overs, each bringing up half-centuries to stabilise the leading the three-match series 1–0, won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision seemed to favour the West Indies early, as they ripped through the top order with three wickets in three consecutive overs. WI vs AUS, 2nd Test, Day 1: HighlightsUsman Khawaja was the first to fall, trapped lbw by an in-swinger from Alzarri Joseph for 16. Debutant Sam Konstas followed soon after, edging Anderson Phillip behind for 25. Phillip, playing his first Test in three years, was brought in to replace frontline spinner Jomel to the side after missing the Barbados Test due to a finger injury, Steve Smith couldn't make an impact. After passing a fitness test in a baseball batting cage in New York, Smith was dismissed for 3, top-edging a short ball from Joseph to fine collapse continued when Cameron Green, dropped on the penultimate ball before lunch, edged Jayden Seales to gully on the final ball of the session. Australia went into the break at 93 for lunch, Shamar Joseph struck again, removing Travis Head for 2 with a delivery that hit the handle of the bat, giving wicketkeeper Shai Hope a sharp catch. At 110 for 5, Australia were in danger of a sub-200 and Webster responded with intent. Carey, in particular, took on the bowlers, finding boundaries off Phillip, Seales, and Justin Greaves. He swept Seales confidently and even benefited from a dropped chance by Hope on 46. Moments later, he edged Phillip between the keeper and slip to bring up his 13th Test score of 50 or playing just his sixth Test, batted with composure to help calm the innings. The pair added 99 runs in the afternoon session for the loss of only fell after tea for 63, caught by Kraigg Brathwaite off the bowling of Greaves, who was celebrating his own milestone in his 100th Test continued to anchor the innings, bringing up his half-century off 87 balls. It was his fourth Test fifty and third in three consecutive matches. However, he received little support from the tail. After a brief rain delay of 35 minutes, Webster was run out for 60 while attempting a second run. A sharp throw from deep point by Keacy Carty ended his Lyon was the last man out, handing Alzarri Joseph his fourth wicket. Joseph finished with figures of 4 for 61 from 15.5 overs as Australia were bowled out in just 67 West Indies were set to begin their innings late in the day, but bad light brought an early end to play with no further action.- EndsMust Watch
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
West Indies demand ‘penalty' on umpires for 'blatant' wrong calls in Australia's favour: 'Could make or break careers'
West Indies doubled down on their attack against the umpiring decision in the Barbados Test against Australia after skipper Roston Chase minced no words in a scathing assessment of third umpire Adrian Holdstock. In the first Test of the three-match series, several decisions went against the hosts, and Chase believes these howlers went a long way in influencing the decision of the match. West Indies captain Roston Chase slammed 'questionable' umpiring in the Barbados Test against Australia. (AP) Josh Hazlewood returned with five wickets in the second innings as Australia defeated West Indies by 159 runs in the first Test. After the close of play on Day 2, West Indies coach Daren Sammy met match referee Javagal Srinath, asking for "consistency" in terms of umpiring. The decisions that left the West Indies camp angered were the dismissals of Roston Chase and Shai Hope. The West Indies was deemed LBY by the third umpire Holdstock even when there was a possible inside edge. On the other hand, Shai Hope fell prey to a brilliant catch from Alex Carey. However, replays indicated that the Australian wicketkeeper possibly failed to take the catch clean. On Day 1, there was even a caught-behind decision against Travis Head given in Australia's favour, even when it seemed the Windies skipper completed a clean catch. "This game is a frustrating one for me and for the team because we bowled out Australia for a relatively low score. We were very happy with that. But then there were so many questionable calls in the game, and none of them went our way. I mean, as a player, you're out there, you're giving your all, you're fighting. And then nothing is going your way," Chase told reporters after the first Test concluded, as per ESPNCricinfo. "It could be heartbreaking. You see what set batters can do on the wicket. The wicket is one where once you get in, you can get runs, but the hardest part is to get in. Me and Shai Hope were going well and then, obviously, we had some questionable calls. That really set us back in terms of creating a big lead on the total that Australia set," he added. 'Everyone is against you' Roston Chase launched a tirade against the umpires, saying it felt "everything is against" the hosts after repeated decisions against them. "It's clear to see anyone would feel bad or feel hurt about those decisions. You're out there playing to win, giving it your all, and it seems like everyone is against you. It's frustrating because as players, when we mess up, when we get out of line, we're penalised harshly," Chase said. "But the officials, nothing ever happens to them. They just have a wrong decision or questionable decision, and life just goes on. You're talking about guys' careers. One bad decision could make or break a guy's career. I just think that it should be an even playground in terms of when players step out of line, they're penalised. I think that there should be some penalty put in place when you have blatant decisions going against you," he added. It must be mentioned that both Roston Chase and Daren Sammy run the risk of being sanctioned by the ICC due to commenting about match officials publicly.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
WI vs AUS, 1st Test: West Indies bowler Jayden Seales fined for Cummins send-off
West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales was fined 15 percent of his match fee for his send-off to Australia captain Pat Cummins in the ongoing first Test, the ICC said Thursday. One demerit point has also been added to Seales's disciplinary record, according to the International Cricket Council, which said it was his second offence in a 24-month period. The latest incident happened on the opening day of the match in Barbados on Wednesday when Seales gestured in the direction of the pavilion after dismissing Cummins for 28. ALSO READ | All third umpire controversies from Barbados Test between West Indies and Australia Afterwards Seales said his actions 'did not really mean anything'. The 23-year-old however admitted the offence and accepted the sanction, the ICC said. The Test at Kensington Oval is finely balanced, with Seales taking 5-60 to help dismiss the visitors for 180 in their first innings.
