
Greg Chappell AO MBE

Greg Chappell AO MBE
ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Greg Chappell AO MBE played 87 Tests for Australia, 48 as Captain and surpassed Sir Donald Bradman as the highest run scorer in Australian Test cricket history. The record was set in his final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a match that would also see Greg break the world record for most Test catches by a fieldsman.
Greg is one of the most distinguished figures in Australian cricket history, renowned for his elegance as a batter, his tactical acumen, and his lasting influence on the game both on and off the field. A member of the famous Chappell cricketing family, Greg forged a legacy defined by excellence, leadership, and controversy in equal measure.
Born in Adelaide, Greg was raised in a household steeped in cricket. His grandfather, Victor Richardson, had captained Australia, and both his brothers, Ian and Trevor, would also represent the national team. From a young age, Greg demonstrated extraordinary batting talent, marked by classical technique and a calm temperament. He made his first-class debut for South Australia at just 18, and his rise to the national team came swiftly.
Greg made a sensational Test debut for Australia in 1970 against England at the WACA, scoring 108 in his first innings. From that moment, he was seen as a future great. Over the course of his career, Greg played 87 Test matches, amassing 7,110 runs at an average of 53.86, including 24 centuries. His performances were defined by timing, precision, and a fluent stroke play that made batting look effortless. He was particularly strong off the back foot and could dominate attacks with a blend of composure and flair.
In One Day Internationals, Greg also left his mark. He played 74 ODIs, scoring 2,331 runs, and was part of the Australian team that competed in the first-ever World Cup in 1975. His adaptability between formats was ahead of its time, and he was considered one of the most reliable and stylish batters of his era.
Greg’s leadership qualities saw him appointed as Australia’s captain in the mid-1970s. He led the national side in 48 Test matches, winning 21. His tenure as captain coincided with a turbulent era for the sport, including the emergence of World Series Cricket, which caused divisions within teams and administrators. Greg was one of the players who joined the Kerry Packer-led breakaway competition, which revolutionised the sport’s professional and commercial landscape.
After retiring from playing in 1984, Greg Chappell speaker and icon of the game remained involved in cricket in a variety of roles. He became a respected commentator, selector, coach, and administrator. Notably, he served as head coach of the Indian national team from 2005 to 2007, a tenure that drew both praise and criticism for his direct approach and emphasis on youth development. Greg also held positions within Cricket Australia, including roles aimed at developing grassroots and high-performance programs.
Throughout his post-playing career, Greg continued to advocate for structural improvements in Australian cricket. He was instrumental in shaping talent pathways and mentoring young players, always maintaining a deep passion for the game’s growth and integrity.
Greg’s contribution to Australian cricket has been recognised with numerous honours, including induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Though his career included moments of contention, his stature as one of Australia’s finest batters and cricket thinkers remains undisputed.
Greg will be remembered not just for his centuries and leadership, but for his enduring impact on how the game is played, coached, and understood.