The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday condoled the death of former Australia captain and coach Bob Simpson, describing him as one of the most influential figures in the sport whose legacy will endure across generations. Simpson passed away on Saturday at the age of 89.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!ICC chairman Jay Shah led the tributes, emphasising Simpson’s all-round impact as player, captain and coach during Australia’s rise to dominance in the 1990s.“Bob Simpson was one of the true greats of our sport, and it is deeply saddening to learn of his passing. His legacy is immense. As a player, captain, and later as a coach, he shaped Australian cricket and inspired the global game,” Shah said in an ICC statement.
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“He nurtured and guided a generation of players who went on to become legends in their own right, and his influence extended far beyond the field. On behalf of the International Cricket Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire cricket fraternity. His passing is a profound loss for the game, but his contributions will always be remembered and cherished,” he added.An ICC Hall of Famer, Simpson represented Australia in 62 Tests between 1957 and 1978, scoring 4,869 runs at an average of 46.81, including 10 centuries and a career-best 311 against England in Manchester in 1964. He was also a handy leg-spinner with 71 wickets and an outstanding fielder, pouching 110 catches.Remarkably, after retiring in 1968, Simpson returned at 41 to captain a depleted Australian side in 1978. Later, he became the country’s first full-time coach, shaping the careers of stars who formed the backbone of Australia’s world-conquering teams in the 1990s.
