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Chappell on damage control mode

— PHOTO: AFP

Greg Chappell.

JAIPUR: Under fire for using his experience to script Australia’s strategy for tackling India in the forthcoming Test series, Greg Chappell on Saturday tried to do some damage control.

Chappell made an effort to put a lid on the raging controversy saying sharing of information was nothing abnormal. “I have been amused on some of the things discussed. Cricket has always shared information. As a young kid I would play county cricket in England and learn.

“Right now, the Kolkata Knight Riders are in Brisbane; many Indians have been to the Centre of Excellence and gained…I don’t think anyone should think they own the game and keep the wisdom to themselves. That will be unhealthy to the game,” Chappell said at a press conference here.

“I am also flattered by the fact that people think that that I can wave a magic wand and change things. Success in Test cricket is all about hard work and doing the basics well.

“My role with the Australian team here is to focus on those areas and to tell them what they need to do. Discussion has not even gone so far about the Indian team, people have been unduly nervous about something that never happened.”

Chappell sought to downplay the speculation that India had lost its home advantage against the Aussies just because the latter got a chance to acclimatize here a week in advance.

“I don’t think [India has lost its home advantage]. Indians have been here much longer than the Australians. Cricket is not rocket science, it’s pretty basic. There are certain things you must do and certain you shouldn’t do… that’s the focus with the Australian team.

“Most of these guys have been here before, if not Test then T20 and ODIs. They are well aware of what it takes to be successful.”

Talking about the prospect of the Australians in the Test series, Chappell argued that the team could not afford to focus only on taking on the Indian spinners.

“I think it will be interesting to see what kind of wickets we get here… we will try our best to play spin bowlers, but we can’t forget their pace bowlers. The reverse swing will come into play.”

Ricky Ponting does not have a great record in India and according to Chappell the Australian skipper should stick to his natural game.

“Firstly, I don’t think there’s much wrong with Ponting. He has a great record around the world. If he trusts his methods and applies these here I have no doubt he will be successful.

“He has a steely glint in his eyes and I am always worried when I see that glint… it means a lot of runs. If I were in the Indian team, I would have been worried about him.”

On the Indian side, Chappell, now a part of the rival team, said the Aussies would have a look at the host players once the squad was picked.

But, he did not hesitate to appreciate Sachin Tendulkar, who is close to overhauling Brian Lara’s world record of being the highest run-getter in Test cricket.

“All the Australian players consider him a champion and we will be the first to congratulate him.”

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