On Saturday, Cricket Australia (CA) said Simpson died in Sydney at the age of 89. Simpson played 62 Tests for Australia from 1957 to 1978, scoring 4869 runs at an average of 46.81, including 10 centuries and 27 half-centuries with a highest score of 311.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Simpson was also the consultant with the Indian team in 1999, and also coached Leicestershire and Lancashire in county cricket in England. \u201cRIP Bob Simpson.. 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,\u201d wrote Ganguly on his \u2018X\u2019 account on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Simpson also took 110 catches and 71 wickets at 42.26 with two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 5\/57 in Tests. Simpson also captained Australia in 39 Tests and as their head coach from 1986 to 1996, Australia won the 1987 World Cup, the 1989 Ashes in England and an away series victory over the West Indies in 1995.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden also paid a rich tribute to Simpon on his Instagram account. \u201cOne of Australian cricket\u2019s true giants has left us. A master batsman, inspirational leader, coach and mentor- his legacy shaped generations of cricketers and the spirit of our great game. From the crease to the dressing room, Simmo\u2019s wisdom, grit and love for cricket left and indelible mark.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe not only lifted Australia back to greatness but also nurtured countless players who carried his lessons on to the world stage. Thankfully, I was one of them who learned the art of playing the sweep shot as a weapon against spin bowling.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHis legendary fielding sessions be that close to the bat or in the slips or outfield took my love of fielding to undiscovered levels. Today, we say goodbye to a legend, but his influence will live forever in the story of Australian cricket. Rest in peace, Bob Simpson AO,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Simpson is renowned particularly for his decision to come out of retirement aged 41 to lead Australia upon the advent of World Series Cricket, captaining a team devoid of many established players to an eventful 3-2 home victory over India and on a difficult tour of the West Indies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHis legendary fielding sessions be that close to the bat or in the slips or outfield took my love of fielding to undiscovered levels. Today, we say goodbye to a legend, but his influence will live forever in the story of Australian cricket. Rest in peace, Bob Simpson AO,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Simpson was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1978 and an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2007. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2006.<\/p>\r\n\r\n