Chappell warns against complacency in test

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34044, 7 January 1976, Page 22

Chappell warns against complacency in test

(N.Z Press Assn- —Copyright) SYDNEY. The Australian captain, Greg Chappell, yesterday warned against complacency over the ifinal two days of the 'fourth test in Sydney ■ despite a near-winning position. The West Indies faces a tremendous task in saving the match with its score at 33 for three in the second innings, and still trailing Australia’s first innings by 17 runs. ■ Chappell said: “There’s I still plenty of runs left in : the wicket and we need another couple of quick wickets to make certain of victory.” He spent the day relaxing after his marathon unbeaten innings of 182 on Monday which swung the test back to Australia and thrust immense pressure on to West Indies captain, Clive Lloyd.

I Lawrence Rowe and Lloyd (are the only two recognised j batsmen left in the West I Indies line-up, and while supIport can be expected from I the other players, the fate of ‘ the series rests squarely on i their shoulders. HOOKS FATAL i Australia leads two-one and victory in the fourth test will ensure they retain the Worrell Trophy. Lloyd, although disappointed at the hooks which dismissed Kallicharran. Fredericks and Richards late on Monday, said yesterday that he and Rowe would have to try to score runs without using that particular stroke. He does not believe that the match is as good as over, and agrees with Chappell that there are still plenty of runs to be scored. “I’m looking for a lead of about 250 runs,” he said, with the knowledge that Australia will have to bat last on a wicket which will probably favour the wily spinner, Lance Gibbs. Lloyd scored a determined century in Melbourne when facing a similar situation in the third test, which Australia ultimately won by eight wickets. A repeat of that effort, and better support from his teammates, could provide an interesting last day. The West Indies put their heads down in their first innings of 355 and only fielding blemishes enabled Australia to reply with 405. However, one ominous Boxing.—Joe Bugner, the former British, European and Commonwealth heavy-weight champion has retired from hosing at the age of 25. Rugby.—The U.S.S.K. Rugby championship last season resulted in the fourth straight win for the Fili Sport Club of Moscow Second place went to the team fielded by Kiev’s Institute of Civil Aviation engineers.

warning on what they can expect in the way of temptation came from Chappell when he said: “I will continue to play on the West Indies's liking for hooks.” Overnight rain and light showers throughout the day have not affected the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the covered wicket is under constant guard. Play is expected to resume on time today after yesterday’s rest day.