A team in his own image Ian Chappell

australia lost unofficial test series rest of world team led gary sobers toured in 1971–72 replacement politically unacceptable south africans. chappell outstanding batsman of series, 4 centuries included in 634 runs, @ average of 79.25. took team england in 1972 , unlucky not regain ashes in rubber ended 2–2. series began disastrously chappell when out hooking first ball faced in opening test @ manchester. fell same way in second innings , australia lost match. however, team regrouped , had better of remaining matches, apart fourth test @ leeds, played on controversial pitch australians believed doctored suit england team. greg chappell emerged prolific batsman during series, batting 1 place below brother in order. siblings shared several crucial partnerships, notably 201 @ oval in last test when became first brothers score centuries in same test innings. australia won game, effort chappell later cited turning point in team s performances.

in 1972–73, australia had resounding victories against pakistan (at home) , west indies (away). chappell s leadership qualities stood out in number of tight situations. hit highest test score of 196 (from 243 balls) in first test against pakistan @ adelaide. pakistan appeared probable winners of last 2 tests on second last day of each game , yet chappell s team managed win on both occasions.

on indifferent pitches in caribbean, chappell highest-scoring batsman of test series 542 runs (at 77.4 average). hit 209 in tour match against barbados, 2 test centuries , glorious 97 on poor pitch @ trinidad in third test, batting injured ankle. set dramatic last day when west indies needed 66 runs win 6 wickets in hand @ lunch. home team collapsed against inspired australian bowling attack supported chappell s aggressive field-placements. chappell s team last leave west indies winners 22 years.