Former Australia captain and coach Bob Simpson dies aged 89

Australian cricket is mourning the death of former Test captain and legendary coach Bob Simpson, who has died aged 89.

Simpson represented Australia in 62 Tests between 1957 and 1978, scoring 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81, with 10 centuries. A versatile all-rounder, he also claimed 71 wickets with his leg spin and was regarded as one of the finest slip fielders of his era.

After first retiring in 1968, Simpson made a remarkable return a decade later, captaining Australia during the 1978 Ashes at the age of 41 after the exodus to World Series Cricket.

“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,” said Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird.

As coach from 1986 to 1996, Simpson revitalised a struggling national side. Under Allan Border’s leadership, Australia won the 1987 World Cup and reclaimed the Ashes, before ushering in future stars such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Ricky Ponting.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese said Simpson’s service “spanned generations” and that he “will be long remembered by the game he loved.”