Former Australia captain and coach Bob Simpson passes away at 89 – A look back at his role in reviving Australian cricket in the 1980s.
Bob Simpson, one of Australian cricket’s most influential figures, has passed away at 89 in Sydney. A former captain, decorated batter, legendary coach, and strict disciplinarian, Simpson leaves behind a legacy that reshaped not just the fortunes of the national side, but also the very culture of Australian cricket through the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Simpson played 62 Test matches between 1957 and 1978, averaging 46.81, and claimed 71 wickets while being known as one of the greatest slip fielders of his time. Simpson had made his first-class debut for New South Wales aged 16 and would go on to amass 21,029 runs and pick up 349 wickets with his leg spin.
Simpson’s coaching legacy
1987 World Cup Win
When Simpson took over as Australia’s first full-time coach in 1986, the national side was at its lowest, having endured four years without a Test series victory. Simpson’s guiding hand, along with captain Allan Border, transformed a fragile team into world beaters.
And the result? Australia clinched their maiden ICC Cricket World Cup in 1987, defeating England in a thrilling final in Kolkata. This win not only ended a drought of major trophies but also laid the foundation for the professional and disciplined culture that would define Australian cricket for decades.
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1989 Ashes
Simpson’s reputation for discipline and fitness became hallmarks of this era. In the 1989 Ashes, Australia, under Simpson’s uncompromising eye, led to one of its most memorable tours. After reclaiming the Ashes in England, the team went on to win four consecutive Ashes series.
Players credited Simpson for instilling belief and focus in a squad that included future legends such as Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, Dean Jones, Craig McDermott, and Merv Hughes. The Ashes triumph in 1989 marked the start of Australia’s golden era and dominance in Test cricket.
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
1995 Frank Worrell Trophy
Simpson’s crowning glory as coach came in 1995, when Australia finally reclaimed the Frank Worrell Trophy by beating the mighty West Indies in the Caribbean. This achievement ended a 17-year wait and established Australia as the world’s top Test team.
Simpson’s faith in youth, resolve, and his tactical acumen played key roles in overcoming a previously untouchable West Indies side, changing the mental landscape of world cricket.
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Simpson’s traits as coach
Strict Disciplinarian
Simpson’s strict approach was legendary, he demanded punctuality, dedication, and respect for the baggy green. His military-like discipline meant even senior players sharpened their routines and attitudes.
Allan Border’s recollection of Simpson making players run laps for fielding errors became famous, and under his regime, physical training was uncompromising. Simpson held players accountable not just for their cricket, but for their off-field preparation, reinforcing the value of professionalism.
Focus on fielding and fitness
Simpson was obsessed with fielding. He paid meticulous attention to catching drills, ground fielding, and slip cordon routines. From Steve Waugh’s one-handed grabs to Mark Taylor’s slip mastery, Simpson’s emphasis helped Australia become one of the best fielding sides in the world. Fitness standards were raised, he enforced training that could match the best athletes in other sports, pioneering the integration of sports science in Australian cricket.
Remembering the legacy
Bob Simpson’s contributions spanned over half a century, and his fingerprints are visible on every Australian success story of the modern era. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013, honoured for his service as a player and coach.
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bob Simpson. One of Australia’s most successful players & coaches, he played a vital role in shaping world cricket and also made a lasting contribution to Indian cricket during his tenure with the @BCCI
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 16, 2025
I fondly remember my… pic.twitter.com/8ZdsgDHCNV
Simpson not only scripted Australia’s return from the nadir in 1986-87 but elevated the standards of the game itself, his relentless drive and high expectations remain the guiding light for coaches across the world.
Many players, including Shane Warne, considered Simpson the finest coach they ever worked with, crediting him as a key figure in their growth as international cricketers. Warne, in particular, acknowledged that it was Simpson who persuaded him to bowl around the wicket more frequently in specific conditions, a tactic that became an important part of his game.
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