Lehmann gets backing from Simpson

Coaching doyen Bob Simpson says Darren Lehmann has the talent at his disposal to make a long-term mark in charge of the Australian Test side.

Simpson warns Lehmann's challenge is still to come – winning away from home against stronger opposition than a dispirited England team in disarray – but says the most encouraging sign is the young players with ability coming through the ranks.

Lehmann has been the driving force behind Australia's revival this Commonwealth Bank Ashes series, praised for tapping into some of the old school methods implemented by the influential Simpson, who took charge of a floundering national side in the mid-1980s.

Test teams are currently struggling to win big overseas tours and Simpson says it is Lehmann's job to instil a culture of not being satisfied with home success alone.

One of Australia's finest ever players before he transitioned into coaching, Simpson was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on Thursday, along with New Zealand's Debbie Hockley (pictured above).

He would like to see the motivation of players improve, but overall Simpson believes Australia's future is bright under Lehmann.

"The reality is if you haven't got the goods there's not much you can do," Simpson said.

"The lucky ones are those of us who have a very good group of youngsters who you can work with and bring them on. If you didn't have that talent you couldn't make anything.

"He's fortunate he has a really talented group and that's half the battle ... but the challenge will come of course.

"Maybe (players) are content with the level a little below what they should be doing.

"That's where a good coach can really come through."

Simpson, who came out of retirement to play international cricket at age 41, says age should be no barrier for veteran players Chris Rogers and Brad Haddin.

The 77-year-old former batsman was joined by former teammates Neil Harvey and Alan Davidson at his induction at the SCG on Thursday night alongside New Zealand women's great Hockley.

Simpson says he'd like to see his former opening partner Bill Lawry join him in the Hall of Fame.