Australia, the 1987 champions and runner-up at the last World Cup, take on India in a make-or-break Super Six clash at The Oval tomorrow.

Simpson, a former Australian Test captain, played a crucial role in shaping Australia's rise to the summit in the 1987 World Cup and remains a consultant to the Australian Cricket Board.

But now, after embarking on a career as a professional freelance coach, he is also a technical consultant to the Indian team.

Friday's game will be the first time Simpson will be sitting in the opposite corner against his countrymen, a prospect that has loomed ever since he accepted the Indian job.

``I'm very much an Aussie, and I don't think I have to prove my loyalty to anyone after 40 years of service to Australian cricket,'' Simpson told reporters.

``As a professionalcoach, I am committed to see that India does well in this World Cup and that goes for Friday's game too,'' said Simpson, who still undertakes coaching assignments with various state teams in Australia under his ACB contract.

``Things have changed...I'm no longer the Australian team's coach and like to spread my knowledge a little wider. There are ideas I can pass on to others...I've become more internationalist during the last phase of my coaching.''

Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin considered Simpson's in-depth knowledge of Australian players was a boon for his side, but Waugh underplayed its significance.

``It doesn't worry me that Simmo's in the other camp,'' Waugh said. ``He knows us pretty well, but that's not going to stop us playing well. He did great things for Australian cricket but it doesn't make too much of a difference that he's in the other camp. I guess he's entitled to do what he thinks is fair.''

Simpson played down the importance of knowing the Australian players inside out andbeing in a position to provide insights to the Indians.

``There are 80 million television sets in the world and the inside information I have is there for anyone to see,'' Simpson said. ``I think it can be over-emphasised because we see so much of each other these days.''

Azharuddin said his team's confidence had been bolstered since Simpson joined the coaching panel.

``Bob (Simpson) knows the Australian game plan very well. I hope he might give us some insight into it,'' Azharuddin said. ``He has passed on his knowledge of various things and his presence has given us more confidence.''