Tributes flow for late Australian cricketing legend Bob Simpson

Australian cricket legend Bob Simpson has passed away at the age of 89.

The right-handed batter who could bowl leg spin has an illustrious career with the national team across multiple decades.

Simpson was the 209th player to represent the Australian men’s Test side when he made his debut against South Africa in Johannesburg back in 1957.

This would begin his playing career at the international level, which spanned 21 years, during which he played 62 test matches.

Across his 111 innings, Simpson made 4869 runs at an average of 46.81 runs.

During his career, he was appointed captain of the test side, becoming the 30th player in Australia to do so.    

After his playing career, Simpson would remain in the cricketing world, being named coach of the national side in 1986.

Alongside Allan Border’s captaincy, Simpson would help establish success for the national side by coaching Australia to their first men’s Cricket World Cup victory in 1987, as well as regaining the Ashes on English soil in 1989 before departing in 1996.

He was also named to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2006.

Reaction to the news has come through thick and fast with many passing on their condolences following Simpson's death.

CA Chairman: "Simpson was one of the greats of Australian cricket"

In a statement from Cricket Australia chairman, Mike Baird would pass on his condolences to the Simpson family adding it is a sad day for 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.

“As a brilliant opening batter, incredible slips fielder and handy spin bowler, Bob was a mainstay of a very strong Australian team in the 1960s, and he became a leader across the game as Australian and New South Wales captain and as a coach.

“Bob’s decision to come out of retirement to successfully lead the Australian team during the advent of World Series Cricket in 1977 was a wonderful service to the game, and his coaching set the foundation for a golden era for Australian cricket.

“On behalf of Cricket Australia, I would like to express my warmest condolences to Bob’s family, friends, teammates and all those touched by his vast contribution to cricket.”

Simpson's memory will be honoured by the Australian men's T20 side with it being announced that players will wear black armbands in their upcoming match against South Africa on Saturday.

Border: “He was as good as any coach we have ever had"

Allan Border, who was coached by Simpson for the majority of his international career has reflected on his relationship with the 62-time test representative for Australia.

Border spent the majority of his captaincy with Simpson as his coach with the two helping lead Australia to unbridled success in the cricketing world.

Speaking with News Corp, Border says that despite their disagreements from time to time, 'Simmo' was the best coach for the time that Australian cricket was in.

"Behind the scenes he was the sergeant major and disciplinarian and that allowed me to do what I did best,".

“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.

"Bob and I would play golf but I spent more time with Ian Chappell who did not get along with Simmo so I found myself in the middle of that one constantly defending Simmo to Ian. I’m 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."

Boon: "He had a special place in my heart"

David Boon was also another player that spent the large part of his international career playing under Simpson.

The Tasmanian admitted that he was shocked by the news despite knowing Simpson had not been well.

“It’s a shock and a hard hit – I know he hasn’t been well," Boon said.

“He had a special place in my heart and many others.

"He worked so hard to challenge us. I absolutely loved my involvement with him.

Ganguly: "(Simpson was) a gentleman to the core"

The news of Simpson's death is now being felt across the cricketing world with legendary Indian Cricketer Sourav Ganguly paying tribute.

Simpson, during the 1999 Cricket World Cup worked with the Indian team as a coaching consultant for Anshuman Gaekwad.

Ganguly was part of that squad who would make the Super Six stage. He also played under the Australian coach when he joined Lancashire in 2000.

"RIP Bob Simpson," he wrote on X.

"Our memories of 1999 World Cup and my stint with you in Lancashire will always be in my heart and memories.

"A gentleman to the core."

Albanese: "He will be long remembered by the game he loved"

On X (formerly Twitter), Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to react, saying that the 89-year-old will be remembered by the cricketing world.

"Bob Simpson’s extraordinary service to Australian cricket spanned generations."

"As a player, captain and then era-defining coach, he set the highest of standards for himself and the champions he led. He will be long remembered by the game he loved."

Whateley: "(Simpson) is a figure of immense influence"

Reacting on air, SEN’s Gerard Whateley would give his initial thoughts on his passing.

“There’s a great sense of sadness around Australian sport this morning with the passing of Bob Simpson,” he said on SEN's Crunch Time.

“Test Captain. Opening batter and pioneering coach. He is a figure of immense influence across multiple generations of Australian cricket.”

Sundaresan: "(Simpson was) one of the all time greats."

SEN Cricket's Bharat Sundaresan would reflect on Simpson's illustrious career wondering whether it will be his playing career or coaching career that he is mostly remembered for.

"Wonder if the late Bob Simpson will be remembered more for revolutionising coaching in international cricket worldwide than his brilliant exploits as an all-round cricketer and captain for Australia." Sundaresan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"One of the all time greats. Sad loss."

Vale Bob Simpson.