Hyderabad, Aug. 20 -- With the death of Bob Simpson, Australian cricket has lost a giant personality. He was one of the most influential figures in the history of Australian cricket as a player, captain, and coach. He played 62 Test matches between 1957 and 1978, averaging 46.81, and claimed 71 wickets. But his greatest contribution came as a captain and coach.

With his lightning-fast reflexes, he was also known as one of the greatest slip fielders of his time. Simpson had made his first-class debut for New South Wales aged 16. He went on to amass 21,029 runs and took 349 wickets in first class cricket. Quite an amazing feat.

Simpson had initially retired from the game in 1968 after an 11-year career as one of Australia's finest openers...