Book description
This wonderful collection of stories showcases all the characters and
events from the extraordinary life of an Aussie sporting immortal. Ian
Chappell has plenty of strings to his bow - legendary captain of the
Australian cricket team; incisive and forthright sports commentator;
fearless negotiator with media magnate Kerry Packer; and slightly less
fearless runner with the bulls in Pamplona. To name only a few. In Life
and Larrikins, 'Chappelli' takes us on a relaxed, often hilarious,
always fascinating journey through his life in cricket and beyond,
featuring encounters with everyone from Shane Warne to Sean Connery,
from Bradman to Benaud. Why did Packer call Ian 'the most difficult
bastard on Earth'? What were the gut-wrenching consequences when Ian
accused Dennis Lillee of being a medium-pacer? Why was Ian warned about
frogs when he ran with the bulls? And why exactly did Doug Walters buy a
shirt with six pockets during a tour of Sri Lanka? When world cricketÃ
 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  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.
