Book description
An entertaining episode from the bestselling book Chappelli: Life,
Larrikins & CricketCricket legend Ian Chappell, tells of his
life-long love for basebell which started when he was a nipper at the
Glenelg Baseball Club. Batboy at the age of five, he learned lasting
life lessons and the value of good sportsmanship ... and also how to
swear by the age of nine. When world cricketà  s finest captains are
discussed, Ian Chappellà  s name is invariably among the front-runners.
The South Australian-born right hand-batsman captained Australia in 30
Tests between 1971 and 1975 and while he was in charge Australia didnà Â
t lose a series. Ian is a member of a mighty Australian sporting family.
His grandfather Victor Richardson, a superb all-round sportsman, played
cricket for Australia between 1924 and 1936, including the infamous
Bodyline series in Australia in 1932-33. He finished his career on a
triumphant note, captaining Australia to a 4-0 series victory against
South Africa. Brother Greg succeeded Ian Chappell as Australian captain
in 1975. His other brother Trevor also pulled on the baggy green cap of
his country. Ian Chappell made his Test debut against Pakistan in
Melbourne in 1964 and played his final Test against England on the same
ground 16 years later. He scored 5,345 runs at 42. 42 in his 75 Test
appearances, including 14 centuries, with a highest score of 196 against
Pakistan in Adelaide in 1972. In Tests, his leg spinners returned him 20
wickets and his safe slips hands 105 catches. At Wellington in 1974, Ian
and Greg Chappell became the first brothers to score a century in each
innings of a Test match. Ian scored 145 and 121 and younger brother
Gregà  s 247 not out was followed by 133 à Â- in all a total of 646
runs. In the 262 first-class matches he played for South Australia, Ian
Chappell scored 19,680 runs, including 59 centuries, at 48. 35, took 176
wickets and held 312 catches. With his playing days behind him, the 1976
Wisden Cricketer of the Year focused on a new career - as a cricket
commentator with the Nine Network and several overseas broadcasters and
as a cricket writer. He has excelled at both.
