5 most underrated coaches in cricket history

#1 Bob Simpson

Simpson was responsible for transforming the ethos of Australian cricket

Even though the country has produced innumerable legends, Allan Border occupies a unique place in the history of Australian cricket. The primary reason behind his enduring legacy was his resolute captaincy as well as tenacious batting which were the cornerstone of the team's transformation from motley crew to indomitable unit during the late 1980s and early 1990s. While Border deservedly continues to receive plaudits, he could not have overseen the metamorphosis without the unwavering support provided by coach Bob Simpson.

Simpson was the quintessential all-rounder, both on and off the field. After complementing his resilient batting with useful leg-breaks and pristine slip-catching for a remarkable career, the Sydney-born cricketer came out of retirement during the 1977/78 season to lead a Packer-depleted side with aplomb. Several years later, it did not come across as any surprise when he became Australia's first full-time coach.

Upon finding a kindred spirit in Border, Simpson imparted a rigorous sense of discipline and commitment to the Australian team. With the selectors inducting a slew of talented youngsters into the national set-up at the expense of faltering veterans, Border and Simpson converted those raw diamonds into glittering jewels. Aside from masterminding Australia's maiden World Cup title in 1987, the captain-coach duo also laid the foundation for the team's dominance in the subsequent decades.

Coaching Stints

Australia (1986-1996)