Simpson explained about his comeback in World of Cricket magazine, “I was faced with perhaps the most difficult decision of my cricket life. Initially my reaction was well, it’s good for the ego, but not really on … However, Australian cricket was under siege. The cream of our talent had been skimmed off by the Packer organisation and the very existence of Test cricket was threatened … With my wife Meg and children Debbie, then 16, and Kim, 18, I sat down and discussed ramifications.” And just as well that he decided to return to the Test fold after 10 long summers. It turned out to be an act of genius, as Aussie rookies under Simpson defeated a full-strength India by a 3-2 margin. The 41-year-old Simpson scored 539 runs in the engrossing Test series at 53.90, highlights being his 89 in Brisbane, 176 in Perth and 100 and 51 in the final and deciding Test in Adelaide. It was a sensational comeback. Born to Scottish immigrants on February 3,1936 in Marrickville, he represented NSW, Western Australia and Australia with flair. His father Jock was a printer and played soccer in the Scottish League. Schoolboy Bob Simpson was encouraged by his elder brothers Bill and Jack, who had represented Sydney grade cricket. Bob started his career as a fast bowler and a batter, showing leadership skills at Marrickville West Primary School, captaining 14-year-olds when he was12. He was also a talented golfer, soccer and baseball player. At age 12, he was selected for New South Wales in the under-14 cricket competition. He switched to leg spin when he was 13. Two years later he represented Petersham in Sydney’s first-grade cricket, after hitting many centuries in the under-16 competition.