New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- Former opener Matthew Hayden and ex-captain Steve Waugh paid tribute to ex-Australia captain and coach Bob Simpson, who passed away at the age of 89 in Sydney.

Simpson was a key figure in Australia's surge to the pinnacle of the cricketing world in the 1990s. Simpson took the full-time coaching role for the Baggy Greens when the Allan Border-led side was enduring a steep decline in fortunes. Australia was tottering in the middle of a winless run that stretched out for three years.

Under Simpson, Australia, in a bid to regenerate the nation's cricket, entrusted its faith in young blood and handed debuts to David Boon, Dean Jones, Steve Waugh, Craig McDermott, Merv Hughes and many more. During his stint with the sele...