Aussie icon Ian Chappell announces retirement from writing after more than five decades

Australian sporting legend Ian Chappell has stunned the cricket world with an announcement out of nowhere.

Australian cricket icon Ian Chappell has pulled the pin on his illustrious journalism career after more than five decades.

The 81-year-old last pulled on the pads in 1980, but following his retirement from professional cricket he established himself as one of the sport’s most iconic broadcasters and writers.

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However, after 52 years, the former Aussie Test captain announced on Sunday his time writing is over.

“In my playing days, I asked former Australia captain Richie Benaud if retirement was a difficult decision. ‘No Ian,’ Benaud replied wisely, ‘It’s easy. You’ll know the right time,” Chappell wrote for ESPNcricinfo.

“Always astute, Benaud was correct. Retirement from journalism is similar to cricket — I knew the time was right.”

Ian Chappell has retired from writing. Image: Getty

On the back of his playing career, Chappell notoriously formed part of an iconic broadcasting foursome with Benaud, Bill Lawry and Tony Grieg.

The group lit up Aussie loungerooms for more than three decades, covering some of the all-time great Test matches.

In that time Chappell was best known for his opinions that often went against the crowd and his breakdown of individual performances, good or bad.

And while after his illustrious cricket career finished, he was best known for his career behind the mic, behind a computer is arguably where he shone even more.

“Talented magazine and later website owner Eric Beecher gave me my first writing job in 1973,” Chappell wrote on Sunday.

“He later organised a meeting with Graham Perkin, the editor of The Age, who contracted me to write for the newspaper.

Ian Chappell has had an incredible broadcasting career following his playing career. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

“When we first met, Perkin asked if I’d like a ghostwriter. I said I’d like to write my own stuff for six weeks and he could then judge. I never heard from Perkin, so consequently, writing has been all my own work. Sadly, Perkin died way too young, at age 45.

“I’m extremely grateful to my bosses of more than two decades, Clayton Murzello of Mid-Day and Sambit Bal from Cricinfo; they’ve given me free rein and plenty of encouragement.

“For around 40 years I’ve been writing on a computer. The improvement over using a typewriter is mainly the ease of being able to cut and paste. It’s a big advance on having to discard, then rewrite copy paper.

“However, the time has come to close the writing section of my computer. I wish each and every one who has helped and befriended me along the way all the best in their future endeavours.”

Chappell made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1964. He scored 5345 Test runs in 75 matches, including 30 as captain and is considered one of the greatest players to ever represent Australia.

Originally published as Aussie icon Ian Chappell announces retirement from writing after more than five decades