Former Australian captain and coach Bob Simpson has passed away at 89 in Sydney today. Renowned as an opening batter, fielder, spinner, and coach, Simpson led Australia to Ashes, World Cup, and West Indies series victories and was widely respected in international cricket.
Robert Baddeley Simpson played 62 Tests for Australia between 1957 and 1978, scoring 4869 runs at 46.8,1, including 10 centuries, 27 half-centuries, with a top score of 311. He took 110 catches and 71 wickets at 42.26 with two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 5/57. He captained Australia in 39 of his 62 Tests.
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.
