Chappelli: Life, Larrikins & Cricket

Book excerpt: This wonderful collection of stories showcases all the characters and events from the extraordinary life of an Aussie sporting immortal. Ian Chappell has plenty of strings to his bow - legendary captain of the Australian cricket team; incisive and forthright sports commentator; fearless negotiator with media magnate Kerry Packer; and slightly less fearless runner with the bulls in Pamplona. To name only a few. In Life and Larrikins, 'Chappelli' takes us on a relaxed, often hilarious, always fascinating journey through his life in cricket and beyond, featuring encounters with everyone from Shane Warne to Sean Connery, from Bradman to Benaud. Why did Packer call Ian 'the most difficult bastard on Earth'? What were the gut-wrenching consequences when Ian accused Dennis Lillee of being a medium-pacer? Why was Ian warned about frogs when he ran with the bulls? And why exactly did Doug Walters buy a shirt with six pockets during a tour of Sri Lanka?