oh no
Australian cricket icon Ian Chappell has pulled the pin on his illustrious journalism career after more than five decades.
The 81-year-old last pulled on the pads in 1980, but following his retirement from professional cricket he established himself as one of the sport’s most iconic broadcasters and writers.
And while after his illustrious cricket career finished, he was best known for his career behind the mic, behind a computer is arguably where he shone even more.
“Talented magazine and later website owner Eric Beecher gave me my first writing job in 1973,” Chappell wrote on Sunday.
“He later organised a meeting with Graham Perkin, the editor of The Age, who contracted me to write for the newspaper.
“When we first met, Perkin asked if I’d like a ghostwriter. I said I’d like to write my own stuff for six weeks and he could then judge. I never heard from Perkin, so consequently, writing has been all my own work. Sadly, Perkin died way too young, at age 45.
“I’m extremely grateful to my bosses of more than two decades, Clayton Murzello of Mid-Day and Sambit Bal from Cricinfo; they’ve given me free rein and plenty of encouragement.
“For around 40 years I’ve been writing on a computer. The improvement over using a typewriter is mainly the ease of being able to cut and paste. It’s a big advance on having to discard, then rewrite copy paper.
“However, the time has come to close the writing section of my computer. I wish each and every one who has helped and befriended me along the way all the best in their future endeavours.”
Chappell made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1964. He scored 5345 Test runs in 75 matches, including 30 as captain and is considered one of the greatest players to ever represent Australia.
www.espncricinfo.com
