Ian Chappell: News

Eldest of the Chappell brothers, Ian Chappell, was not just a cricketer; he was a professional who carried out his job with his characteristic insouciance to official highhandedness. Chappell made his first-class debut in the 1961-62 season for South Australia. An aggressive cricketer throughout his career, he was inspired by Sir Gary Sobers and Les Favell who played for South Australia. Known for his ability to hook and pull short balls at a time when batsmen did not wear helmets without flinching, Chappell began his international career in a one-off Test for Australia against Pakistan in 1964. In the early stages of his career, he batted in the lower middle-order and was used as a leg spinner. It was only after being promoted to number three that the world began to see Chappell's true colors. He was made captain in 1971, and in the period between 1971-75, Australia did not lose a single series under him. Regarded as one of the best captains ever, Chappell was an incredible slip fielder as well. Always a rebel on and off the field, Chappell first retired from first-class cricket in 1976. His second and final retirement came in 1980.