Captaincy Ian Chappell

ian chappell in 1970s

chappell became south australian captain when long-serving les favell retired @ start of 1970–1971 season. younger brother greg made debut in second test of summer against ray illingworth s england. facing english attack led hostile fast bowling of john snow, chappell scored half-century in each of first 2 tests, failed capitalise on starts while greg chappell scored 108 in initial innings. rain caused abandonment of third test without ball being bowled. temporarily promoted open batting, chappell failed in fourth test australia lost. in fifth test @ melbourne, returned number 3 , started nervously. dropped on 0 , 14, chappell found form , went on post maiden ashes century (111 212 balls), followed scores of 28 , 104 in sixth test.

the washed-out test resulted in late change schedule , unprecedented seventh test played @ sydney in february 1971. trailing 0–1 in series, australia retain ashes winning game. australia s performances hampered playing slow, defensive cricket. in radical attempt breathe aggression team, selectors sacked captain bill lawry , appointed chappell in stead. dismayed manner of lawry s dismissal, chappell responded attacking performance captain, won toss, put england in , dismissed them 184, , australia led first innings 80 runs, set 223 win folded 160 , lost ashes after holding them 12 years. chappell gained consolation @ end of dramatic summer when led sa sheffield shield, team s first win 7 years.

chappell s battles against short-pitched bowling of snow during season compelled him reappraise game. following conversation sir donald bradman, decided reinstate hook shot , spent winter months practising stroke hitting baseballs thrown brother greg. although still regularly lost wicket after playing shot, chappell felt psychological benefit of showing aggression opposing bowlers offset times dismissed low score.