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From farewell to glory: who is the first cricketer to return after retirement

Poulomi Chakraborty

Bob Simpson (Source: @PictureSporting/x.com)Bob Simpson (Source: @PictureSporting/x.com)

The game of cricket is not only about the thrills, excitement, and madness; sometimes the sport presents some of the inspiring stories that inspire generations. For players, stepping away from the game can be tough, and often the deep love for the sport pulls them back, leading to surprising comebacks that captivate fans worldwide.

Walking in the same way, an ace South African wicketkeeper batter, Quinton de Kock, reversed from his retirement and set to play the upcoming series against Pakistan. But it begs the question, who was the first player ever to make a comeback after retirement? Let’s dive into the story behind that historic return

Bob Simpson, an overlooked name who turned into a standout figure

Every sport in the world is unique in its own way, but the kind of emotion the game of cricket holds is truly unmatchable. Among several unmatched milestones in the history of cricket, players have created their own legacy.

For many, the game isn’t just a profession; it becomes a heartbeat that defines their journey. And when the passion runs that deep, retirement often feels temporary, as the love for cricket pulls them back onto the field.

Since the long, cricket world witnessed many instances of cricketers breaking retirement and coming back to the ground. The answer takes us back decades, to Bob Simpson. After a glittering career, the Australian great shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement in 1967-68, seemingly closing the chapter on an unforgettable era.

After a long gap of nine years and 305 days, Simpson had to break his retirement as some of the Australian stars were unavailable for the series. His comeback in 1977 came against India, the very side he had faced in his farewell Test. And this time, Simpson didn’t just return as a player; he walked back in as captain, scripting one of cricket’s most remarkable comebacks.

When destiny scripts a comeback like no other

As his comeback was an iconic one, destiny wrote an inspirational story with his comeback. He made a comeback against India as captain, but he walked away scoring only seven runs in the first innings. Aiming for a stronger bounce back, he shattered the stage with a remarkable performance.

Taking up all the mighty Indian bowlers, Simpson crafted an extraordinary half-century. Continuing his exceptional form, he played an exceptional knock of 89 runs in 269 balls with seven boundaries. His resilience not only anchored Australia’s innings but also paved the way for a thrilling 16-run victory, making his comeback Test a tale of determination and triumph.

In 62 Test matches, he scored 4869 runs with a highest score of 311 with 10 boundaries and 27 half-centuries. As the Australian star marked an iconic move in his career, several international stars followed suit. In the star-studded list, Quinton de Kock is the latest addition.