Captaincy made the difference between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ian-Michael-Chappell-c63914 – Cricket News Update
Ian Chappell, the former Australian skipper, believes that captaincy made the difference in the first of the three-match series between England and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 at the Oval and criticised Andrew Strauss’ lacklustre approach.
The much awaited battle, which is going to decide the number one ranked Test team of the world, was always expected to be a nail-biting one, with both teams being evenly matched.
The first Test however, turned out to be an anti-climax, with the home team outclassed in all three departments of the game by the Proteas, who went 1-0 up in the series by winning at the Oval.
Chappell, in his article for ESPNcricinfo, maintained that the two teams are level, but stated that the difference lay between the two captains, who came up with contrasting attitudes in the first match.
The former Aussie batsman admired http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473’s ability to rejuvenate his side’s spirits after a miserable day one, to go on and dismiss the English team twice in the encounter. Chappell is of the view that Strauss allowed the Proteas to build partnerships
and never set attacking fields, resulting in a triple century by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JH-Kallis-c1692 and Graeme Smith.
"With the No. 1 ranking at stake, South Africa recovered spectacularly from a lethargic first day to take 17 for 358 over the remaining four. Meanwhile, England managed to get just two for 637 runs. Two attacks of similar standing
and skill - so how could the results be so different on the same pitch?" asked Chappell.
The legendary cricketer however, did not want to take anything away from the South African batsmen, who played exceptionally well to make the English team toil hard for almost two days. Chappell also thinks that the visitors enjoyed
a favourable pitch but upheld that Strauss’ negative approach led to the home team’s downfall.
"There were a number of reasons, including the calibre of batting and the changing conditions, but the mindset of the two captains also played a part," he added.
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