From triple centurion to master coach: Bob Simpson’s enduring legacy

By Harsh Thakor*

Former Australia cricket captain and coach Bob Simpson has died in Sydney aged 89. He leaves behind an indelible legacy, having shaped Australian cricket for more than four decades as a player, captain and coach. Beyond the field, he also served the game as a law-maker, referee and commentator, carving a permanent niche among the all-time greats of Australian cricket.

Born in Sydney’s Marrickville on 3 February 1936, Simpson was introduced to cricket early, playing his first Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales at just 16. He made his international debut against New Zealand in 1956 and soon established himself as a formidable all-rounder before becoming one of Australia’s most reliable opening batters.

Tributes poured in following his passing. Former Australia captain Steve Waugh wrote: “No one gave more to Australian cricket than Bob Simpson – coach, player, commentator, writer, selector, mentor and journalist. He was quite simply the best cricket coach, with an unparalleled knowledge of the game together with an insatiable appetite for learning and imparting his wisdom. He made me a better player and he made Australian cricket great.” Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said: “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. As a brilliant opening batter, incredible slip fielder and handy spin bowler, he was a mainstay of a very strong Australian team in the 1960s. His decision to come out of retirement to successfully lead the 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 generation of Australian cricket.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also led tributes to the cricketing legend.

Simpson’s playing career was marked by remarkable achievements. He became only the second Australian after Don Bradman to score a Test triple century, making 311 against England at Old Trafford in 1964 in what was his maiden Test century and one of the epic innings in cricket history. Renowned as a peerless slips fielder, he claimed a record 110 catches in 62 Tests between 1957 and 1978. His batting was defined by resilience and mastery across conditions—seaming English pitches, turning subcontinental tracks, and the bouncy surfaces of the Caribbean, South Africa and Australia. He eventually scored 10 Test centuries, all as captain, accumulating 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81, and also claimed 71 wickets with his leg-spin. His formidable opening partnership with Bill Lawry in the 1960s remains one of Australia’s most successful, highlighted by their record 382-run stand against West Indies in 1965, which still stands as Australia’s highest first-wicket partnership.

Although he first retired in 1968, Simpson made a stunning comeback in 1978 at the age of 41, captaining Australia during the crisis caused by World Series Cricket. His batting heroics, including scores of 89 in Brisbane, 176 at Perth and twin centuries in Adelaide, played a pivotal role in Australia’s 3–2 series victory against India. Critics often noted his slow starts, but his technical precision against spin and ability to anchor innings laid the foundation for many famous wins.

Simpson’s second innings with Australian cricket—as coach—was even more transformative. Appointed in 1986, when the national team had not won a Test series in three years, he imposed strict discipline, prioritising fitness and fielding, and moulded a young team into world beaters. He mentored future greats like Shane Warne, Mark Waugh, Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting, laying the foundation for Australia’s dominance in the 1990s and 2000s. Under his stewardship, Australia won the 1987 World Cup, regained the Ashes in 1989, and recorded a historic series win in the West Indies in 1995—the first by any overseas team since 1973—which secured Australia’s status as the unofficial world champions of Test cricket. His tenure was remembered for his ability to instil self-belief and mould individual talents into a cohesive, resilient unit.

After stepping down as national coach in 1996, Simpson had coaching stints with Leicestershire, Lancashire and the Netherlands, and also served in a consultancy role with India. Cricket historians have long acknowledged his place among the game’s greats: Geoff Armstrong ranked him 73rd in his list of the 100 greatest cricketers, while the late John Woodcock placed him 80th.

Bob Simpson’s contribution to cricket spanned generations—first as a technically astute batsman and safe slip fielder, then as a leader who guided Australian cricket through turbulent times, and finally as a coach who forged one of the most dominant teams in the sport’s history. His name will forever be etched in the annals of the game.

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*Freelance journalist

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