Vale Bob Simpson

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is mourning the loss of Robert Baddeley “Bob” Simpson AO, an Australian cricket icon and Honorary Cricket Club Member.

Simpson represented Australia in 62 Test matches between 1957 and 1978, scoring 4,869 runs and taking 71 wickets. He was also a skilled fielder and took 110 catches in his Test career.

Originally selected as an all-rounder, he would eventually find his way to the top of the order, where he developed a memorable opening partnership with Australian great Bill Lawry. Simpson scored 10 Test centuries with a career-high of 311 coming against England at Old Trafford in 1964.

Simpson would go on to captain the Australian team in 39 Tests and would first lead the Australian side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on New Year's Day against South Africa in 1964.

After his retirement, he became Australian cricket’s first full-time head coach in 1986. Under his guidance, Australia won the 1987 Cricket World Cup, regained the Ashes in 1989 and returned to the top of world cricket during the 1990s.

Simpson also made a significant contribution as an administrator. In the late 1990s, he sat on the Marylebone Cricket Club Laws sub-committee and played a significant role in rewriting the laws of the game.

His career has been formally recognised through induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, as well as his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia.

MCC President Fred Oldfield said Simpson had left a lasting impact both on and off the field.

“Bob Simpson was a highly respected figure whose impact on Australian cricket was profound.

“He has a strong connection to the MCC and the MCG, and the Club is proud to have been a stage for many of his achievements.

“On behalf of the Club, we extend our condolences to Bob’s family and all those who were influenced by his contribution to cricket.”

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