Bob Simpson, the former Australia cricket captain and coach, has died in Sydney at the age of 89. Simpson was a towering figure in Australian cricket for more than four decades, contributing as a player, captain, coach, law-maker, referee, and commentator.
Simpson made his Test debut in 1957 and famously returned to captain Australia at age 41 during the World Series Cricket crisis in 1977. He scored a triple century against England in 1964 and held a record 110 catches in 62 Tests. As Australia's first full-time coach from 1986 to 1996, he guided the team to a golden era, including the 1987 World Cup victory and regaining the Ashes in 1989.
Tributes have been led by former captain Steve Waugh, who called Simpson 'the best cricket coach,' and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who praised his 'extraordinary service to Australian cricket.' Simpson is survived by his family.
