Emotional over-reaction says Greg Chappell

Press, 20 November 1981, Page 28

Emotional over-reaction says Greg Chappell

NZPA Sydney Australia’s captain, Greg Chappell, said yesterday that Dennis Lillee was looking forward to playing for Australia again after his suspension for two one-day international cup matches. “Dennis is naturally disappointed but is quite prepared to accept the decision like the sportsman he is,” wrote Chappell in the Sydney “Daily Mirror” yesterday. “He has taken it philosphically and is looking forward to bowling for Australia again.”

Chappell said there had been an emotional over-reac-tion to the whole incident. “I don’t condone what Dennis did, but ! still think a bloke has the right to lose his temper in the heat of the moment,” he said. “It wasn’t a full-blooded kick. It was more a halfhearted attempt by Dennis to tell Miandad to cut out the drama and get on with the game.” Chappell said the point that annoyed him most about the incident was the general reaction that the flare-up

started with Lillee’s kick. “In fact it was triggered by Miandad pushing Dennis with the bat and I’m glad that the inquiry supports that,” he said. “I believe the right penalty for the crime was a hefty fine and not a suspension. , “The case is closed. Now let’s get on with the game.” The suspension, which takes in this Sunday’s oneday match against Pakistan, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and against the West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday, will cost Lillee about $l4OO.