Australian cricket has lost one of its greatest names following the death of former Test captain and first full-time coach Bob Simpson in Sydney at age of 89. Simpson was one of the most influential people in the history of Australian cricket. He appeared in 62 Tests between 1957 and 1978, averaging 46.81 and recording 71 wickets. Simpson was also described as one of the best slip fielders of his generation. At first-class level, he recorded 21,029 runs and 349 wickets off his leg spin. He first retired in 1968 after an 11-year career as a top opener, playing 50 Tests and captaining 29. But in 1977, at age 41, Simpson returned to lead Australia when the team was weakened during the World Series Cricket split. He went on to score ten Test hundreds, all as captain, including a famous 311 against England at Manchester in 1964. Simpson and Bill Lawry also established one of Australia's greatest opening combinations. Their 382-run partnership against West Indies in 1965 still stands as the first-wicket record. Simpson was summoned once more by the Australian Cricket Board in 1986 to lead the country's team through a difficult period. He shared that responsibility with captain Allan Border as he helped develop young players Steve Waugh, David Boon, Dean Jones, Merv Hughes, and Craig McDermott. He also had a hand in shaping Australia's subsequent golden generation of Mark Taylor, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, and Justin Langer. During his tenure, Australia won the 1987 World Cup, recaptured the Ashes in 1989, and defeated West Indies in 1995 to become the world's best Test team. Also Read | Stuart MacGill Acquitted of Major Drug Charge, Guilty of Lesser Offence 'Simpson Was One of the Aussie Greats' - Mike Baird Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird described Simpson as "Bob Simpson was one of the greats of Australian cricket and this is a sad day for anyone fortunate to have watched him play or who benefited from his wisdom." Simpson was known as a tough coach who insisted on fitness and fielding. Most players, including Shane Warne, rated him as the greatest coach they ever had. After his stint in Australia, Simpson was coaching England county sides, working in India, and leading Netherlands to the 2007 World Cup. For his contribution to cricket, Simpson was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1978, promoted to Officer (AO) in 2007. He was also a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1965 and an inductee to the ICC Hall of Fame and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.