- Australian Test champion died on Saturday aged 89
- Led Australia as a player and coach during long career
- Major results in two of his greatest matches stand out
Bob Simpson’s passing on Saturday robs the sport of one of its toughest and greatest figures as a coach and a player, but his legacy will be one key achievement that highlighted just how tough he was.
There have only ever been two tied Tests in the long history of cricket, and remarkably, Simpson – who died on Saturday aged 89 – was a key figure in both.
The first came in December 1960 at the Gabba, when Australia faced the mighty West Indies.
Simpson, then in his prime as an opening batsman, scored 92 in the first innings to set up Australia’s total of 505.
That knock was crucial in giving the hosts a strong platform in a match that would go down as one of the most famous contests ever played.
The game see-sawed dramatically, with Garry Sobers smashing 132 for the tourists and Wes Hall terrorising Australia’s batsmen.
Bob Simpson was part of the Australian side that played out the tied Test against the West Indies in 1960
Simpson was also coach of Australia when they played out the second tied Test against India in 1986
By the final day, Australia were chasing 233 and fell agonisingly short when Joe Solomon’s direct hit ran out Ian Meckiff, leaving the scores tied.
Simpson’s runs earlier in the game had given Australia the chance to be in that position, cementing his place in the story of the first tied Test.
Fast forward 26 years, and Simpson again found himself at the heart of history, this time not as a player, but as Australia’s coach.
In 1986, Australia were rebuilding under Allan Border when they toured India for a three-Test series.
The first match at Madras, now Chennai, turned into a marathon. Dean Jones played one of the most courageous innings in Test history, battling dehydration and exhaustion to score 210 in oppressive heat.
Border, Greg Matthews, and other Australians also made key contributions as the visitors fought tooth and nail against Kapil Dev’s India.
The final day produced another heart-stopping finish, as Australia set India a target and the home side edged closer with every over.
With one run needed and one wicket in hand, Matthews bowled the final delivery to Maninder Singh, who was trapped LBW, leaving the match tied.
Simpson instilled toughness into the Australian side, as evidenced by Dean Jones’ incredible double century in 40 degree heat, battling dehydration
Simpson’s sharp cricket mind and relentless approach to discipline had played their part in shaping both contests.
The 1960 Gabba clash is remembered for its thrilling swings, Sobers’ brilliance, and Hall’s fiery spell, but Simpson’s steady 92 ensured Australia were never out of the fight.
The 1986 Madras epic is forever linked to Dean Jones’ double century and Allan Border’s gritty leadership, but Simpson’s role as coach in instilling toughness and mental resilience cannot be overlooked.
Having endured criticism for his stern style, Simpson saw his methods bear fruit on the biggest stage.
To be present for both of cricket’s only tied Tests was a rare distinction. It highlighted not only his longevity in the game but also his central role in Australian cricket across different eras.
From the flamboyance of the 1960s West Indies battles to the gruelling grind of Indian conditions in the 1980s, Simpson was there.
He witnessed firsthand the drama, the pressure, and the razor-thin margins that make Test cricket unique.
His legacy is forever tied to those two matches that ended in unprecedented deadlock. They serve as a reminder of how Simpson’s name is etched across cricket history in ways few others can claim.
