Former Australian captain Allan Border has paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary cricketer and coach Bob Simpson, who passed away in Sydney on Saturday at the age of 89. Border hailed Simpson as the driving force behind Australia’s revival in international cricket, calling him a “sergeant major and disciplinarian” whose influence transformed the team.

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the news of Simpson’s passing in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "RIP to a true cricket legend. A Test cricketer, captain, coach and national selector - Bob Simpson was a mighty figure in Australian cricket, giving everything to our game. Cricket Australia extends our thoughts and sympathies to Bob`s family and friends."

Speaking to News Corp, as quoted by SEN Cricket, Border reflected on the deep professional partnership he shared with Simpson, which produced some of Australian cricket’s most iconic triumphs, notably the 1987 Cricket World Cup win and the historic 1989 Ashes victory.