Trevor glad to lose most despised tag
Sydney, March 27: Trevor Chappell’s name has been synonymous with one of the most notorious unsporting acts of all time — bowling underarm to help Australia beat New Zealand in 1981. It won them the match, but lost him all respect, despite Chappell acting on the orders of his older brother and then captain, Greg.
Thirty- seven years later, he said it was a relief to no longer be seen as the most despised man in Australian cricket, with current skipper Steve Smith rapidly earning that accolade.
“I’m the last one who comes up on Google as the man who took the lead role in Australian cricket’s darkest day — it’s a real relief I can finally drop that title,” the 65- year- old told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph on Tuesday.
Chappell said they will long be haunted by what they did.
“What I did has lived with me ever since and it will be the same for Smith and Bancroft,” he said.
The tearaway paceman is widely regarded and has youth on his side at age 24. It is highly unusual to have a fast bowler as captain and the burden may be too much, but if cricket chiefs are looking for a fresh start, he could be the man to take them forward. Was tipped earlier this year by Michael Clarke as a captain- inwaiting.
Michael Clarke
Clarke was Smith’s predecessor, retiring in 2015 after playing 115 Tests. Now a TV commentator, he suggested at the weekend he was open to a return. “If I was asked by the right people, then I would think about my answer,” the 36- year- old said although he is seen as a real wildcard.