Cricket barriers ‘will go’

Press, 21 February 1978, Page 30

Cricket barriers ‘will go’

By

JOHN COFFEY

lan Chappell, one of the most accomplished players to contract his services to World Series Cricket, believes that the barriers raised against the "rebels” by the established administrations of the sport will crumble under the weight of public opinion.

He said in Christchurch yesterday that the s election of six Packer players — Deryck Murray, Andy Roberts, Vivian Richards. Wayne Daniel, Joel Gamer and Collis King — in a West Indian XI to meet Australia in a limited-over game in Antigua tomorrow might be regarded as the first major break-through. “It will happen in Australia, too, but that will take time.” he said. “There could be something of a public out-cry if the side new ’■curing the West Indies suffers heavy defeats in the tests.” The former captain of Australia is a particularly strong advocate for World Series Cricket and makes it clear that he has no regrets about his decision to join the Packer troupe. He considers that some errors were made in the early stages of the world series tournament which finished earlier this month .in Australia. Scheduling the matches in direct opposition to the tests between Australia and India was "a minor mistake” but one that could not be fully avoided because of the need to use weekends and public holidays Expectations of large attendances were not realised at first partly because

some of the venues were situated in outer suburbs — it was not possible for potential spectators to spend a lunch break or an hour or two after work

at the cricket — and it took time for followers of the sport to develop a deeper interest in Packer’s programme. A report from Australia estimated Packer’s financial loss at $3.6M but Chappell said that that figure had since been denied by the Packer organisation. No official amount has been released, although Chappell predicted a much more lucrative return for the promo-

ter when the series resumes in Australia in November.

He said that he expected “a few adjustments” to be made. However, some of the rule variations are certain to be retained, perhaps even seriously considered by the traditional ruling bodies. “The night games really drew in the crowds,” said Chappell. “People were able to go home after work, have a meal, and still take in about four hours at the match. There was certainly some novelty value and it was great to know that limited-over night cricket works. “If the Australian board decided to follow the lead, as has been suggested, it would have to outlay considerable expense — I think the lights alone cost about £250,000.” Chappell said that the use of a white ball for both floodlit and daylight fixtures had been welcomed by spectators and television viewers. It had made no great difference for the players in a limited-over context and experiments were being carried out to give white balls similar lasting qualities to the more familiar red balls. Restrictions on field placings in one-day games had also been very successful. The second season of World Series Cricket would again be contested by Australia, the West Indies, and the World XI but the West Indian players would no longer be eligible for the world side.

“Tony Greig will probably have to look around for

a couple of pace bowlers,” said Chappell. “Bob Willis has been invited once and could again be approached and Richard Hadlee might also receive an offer — they are the two best quickies outside of the present group, not including Jeff Thomson who had to make up his mind between a Packer contract and his 10-year deal with Radio 4IP in Brisbane.”

Chappell feels that the administrators who have accused him and his teammates of disloyalty have only themselves to blame.

“If they had done more for the players, it would never have happened. That was indicated when just about all of the players signed for Packer without hesitation.

“There are many good young players coming through in Australia but they have a way to go yet to reach test class. The Indian team that lost, 3-2, in the series was reasonably strong, based on its spinnera and its better batsmen.

“Too much has been spoken from the heart and not the brain about the younger Australian representatives. One of them only has to score 60 or so and he is written up as a new star. They are trying to replace those who went to World Series Cricket with new stais overnight. “I hone the players '■oncerned have the sense not to believe it and keep working to improve their games but, frankly. I cannot see Australia winning a test in the West Indies.”