Sydney: Former Australian captain Greg Chappell has written an open letter to Australia’s Test skipper Tim Paine and asked him to get a lesson from his mistakes, just like the way he did during his power as Australia captain.
Paine has went through criticism for abusing and mistreating India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin on Day five of the third Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Paine has already expressed regret for his misconduct but it has not stopped the criticism from hitting on his way.
Chappell wrote an open letter in Sydney Morning Herald to Paine, he mentioned that he believes abuses are cheap and shows a weakness of character. “Abuse is not acceptable in any workplace and talk, in my opinion, is cheap. It does not show one’s strength. Rather, it displays a weakness of character,” he wrote.
“I urge you to impress on the team to let the bat and ball do the talking and set better examples to millions of impressionable little boys and girls, lest they start imitating the worst instincts and actions of their sporting heroes. This will be the greatest legacy that you can leave,” urged the 72-year-old Chappell.
“You have led Australia with flair, courage, and humour and have contributed immensely in rebuilding the image of Australian cricket following the events in Cape Town, three years ago. I urge you to keep leading in the way that you have been, since taking over the captaincy. I would hate one bad day to undo all of the good work that you and your team have done.”
“Your mea culpa and promise to do better after Sydney is a step in the right direction. It shows contrition and a resolve to get things back on track. I have no doubt that you have a year or two of good cricket left in you, and detractors who are piling on right now, should judge you in time, and not on the basis of one mad afternoon,” he signed off.
