Courageous and fearless former Aussies captain and one of the finest cricketer of his time Ian Chappell turns 77 today. One of the sensible commentators nowadays on television, Man who speaks his mind.
Here is the some unknown facts need to know about The Man who has his own way
- Cricket Background
Cricket is in his blood. His father Martin Chappell was a club cricketer and Mother Jeanne Chappell, daughter of Vic Richardson, famous Australian all-rounder.
Ian is the eldest brother other two are Greg and Trevor.
- Debut. Ian Chappell made his first-class Cricket debut for South Australia at the age of 18 against Tasmania in early 1962.
3. Best knock
While playing against Brisbane at no. 3 he scored 205 not out and was the youngest member that won Sheffield Shield.
- International debut
Earned his first Test cap against Pakistan in 1964 at Melbourne. Though he was dropped for Ashes 1965-66. He proved himself with his absolute batting which earned him recall for the 4th Test of the same season of the Ashes.
- Recognization
During South Africa and India tour, he failed but the selector gave him a chance to prove against England and he made it!
Later in 1968 -69 big scores and brilliant performance rewarded him “ The Australian Cricketer of the Year “ award.
- CLASHES
Chappell clashed with the administration with a group of players for more money to play during the South Africa tour in 1970. The match waa canceled as players refused to back down. Must say he is the man with lots of guts.
- Tumultuous Relationship
During the protest for more pay, Sir Don Bradman was the president of the Board and he refused demands. Things turn ugly when he walked out into a meeting with the Don with a can of beer in his hand as an insult.
- Captaincy
He captained Australia from 1971-1975 and guess what, Australia never lost a single series in his regime and his pair with his brother Greg heat up the batting line up.
Under his Captaincy Australia reached the finals of the first-ever world cup held in England.
- Retirement
Ian Chappell stepped out Captaincy and retired at the age of 32 from first-class cricket in 1975-76. He played his last Test match against England in 1980 where he get a 3-week suspension for offensive behavior on file.
After retirement, he became a brand ambassador to influenced youngsters for cricket.
- Refusal
Once Chappelle refused a commentary proposal from Star TV during India vs Australia as he thought the contract his not allowing him freedom of expression.