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Bob Simpson will be remembered as one of the most influential men in Australian Test cricket history after dying age 89 on Saturday.
Simpson, nicknamed Mr Grumpy by friends and family, died in Sydney with tributes to the champion player and coach flowing in.
Simpson was a prolific Australian batsman and occasional leg-spin bowler who debuted for Australia in 1957 and went on to play 62 Tests, scoring 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81.
He was renowned for his concentration and endurance at the crease, highlighted by his monumental 311 against England at Old Trafford in 1964, which remains one of the longest innings in Test history.
Bob Simpson will go down in history as one of the most influential men in the history of Australian cricket
A champion player, the stylish batsman was also a highly successful coach during his long career in the sport
Simpson emerged as Australia's saviour in the 1980s, when he stood up as coach with the team in crisis
As captain from 1963 to 1968, he led Australia through a rebuilding era, reclaiming the Ashes in 1964 and instilling discipline and resilience in the side.
After retiring, Simpson returned as Australia’s coach in 1986 during a turbulent period, shaping a new generation of players such as Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and David Boon.
His guidance culminated in Australia’s breakthrough 1987 World Cup win, cementing his legacy as both a great player and one of the most influential figures in Australian cricket history.
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