His 311 against England at Old Trafford (Manchester) in 1964 not only made him the first captain to score a triple hundred, but was also the first occasion he had crossed three figures in international cricket.

Also see: Irfan, single & ready to mingle

It was the fourth Test of that Ashes tour, and coming into the match Australia led 1-0, having won the third Test at Leeds.

Only a draw was required to retain the 'urn' and Simpson, with more than 40 first-class centuries but still sans a Test ton seized the opportunity.

His plan to bat as long as possible in a bid to avoid defeat worked, as he and Bill Lawry (106) put up a solid 201-run opening partnership before the former was run-out.

However, Simpson went on to first reach his maiden Test hundred and subsequently become the first Australian since the legendary Sir Don Bradman to score a triple century on English soil.

Simpson's 13-hour innings, though heavily criticised, ensured a draw and Australia retained the Ashes.