Many cricket fans firmly believe that former Australian captain Ian Chappell is an expert on all things related to the game, and that anything he doesn’t know is definitely not important. And it was widely believed that the sport and its followers would lose a vociferous, wise authority when he recently announced his retirement from cricket commentary after 45 years in front of the microphone (he started performing commentary in 1977).
The oldest of the three Chappell brothers, recognised as a game intellectual, has maintained his sharpness in reading the game despite it having been 42 years since he last played one of his 75 Tests (in February 1980). Chappell was one of Channel Nine’s most recognisable voices, ranking among the top cricket commentators among people like Tony Greig, Richie Benaud, and Bill Lawry.
Greg Chappell, Ian’s brother, said Ian brought the same qualities of attraction and aggression that he displayed on the field as a player and captain to the commentary booth. Ian was also incredibly informative, according to Greg.
