Simpson became Australia's full-time coach in the mid-1980s during a period of steep decline. Alongside Border, he helped lay the foundation for Australia’s dominance in world cricket during the 1990s. His coaching was instrumental in developing future stars such as Steve Waugh, Dean Jones, David Boon, and Craig McDermott
Bob Simpson (Photo: ANI)
Former Australian captain Allan Border has paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary cricketer and coach Bob Simpson, who passed away in Sydney on Saturday at the age of 89. Border hailed Simpson as the driving force behind Australia’s revival in international cricket, calling him a “sergeant major and disciplinarian” whose influence transformed the team.
Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the news of Simpson’s passing in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "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."
Speaking to News Corp, as quoted by SEN Cricket, Border reflected on the deep professional partnership he shared with Simpson, which produced some of Australian cricket’s most iconic triumphs, notably the 1987 Cricket World Cup win and the historic 1989 Ashes victory.
"Behind the scenes, he was the sergeant major and disciplinarian, and that allowed me to do what I did best," Border said. "Occasionally, I would blow up, but it never lasted for long. I suppose we were a bit of an odd couple, but it just sort of worked."
He also recalled playing golf with Simpson and being caught between him and fellow cricket legend Ian Chappell, who famously did not see eye to eye with Simpson. "So I found myself in the middle of that one, constantly defending Simmo to Ian. I am not sure I got that far! Simmo was the perfect man for the time. He was not everyone's best mate, but that was not his role. Everyone who played under him whether they liked him or not would accept they were better players for his influence. He was as good as any coach we have ever had. He had a fantastic cricket brain," he said.
Simpson became Australia's full-time coach in the mid-1980s during a period of steep decline. Alongside Border, he helped lay the foundation for Australia’s dominance in world cricket during the 1990s. His coaching was instrumental in developing future stars such as Steve Waugh, Dean Jones, David Boon, and Craig McDermott. His emphasis on fitness, discipline, and fielding helped transform Australia into a powerhouse.
A fine player in his own right, Simpson played 62 Tests from 1957 to 1978, scoring 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81, including 10 centuries and a highest score of 311. He also took 71 wickets and captained Australia in 39 Tests. Additionally, he played two ODIs, scoring 36 runs and claiming two wickets.
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