Bangalore: Former Australia captain Ian Chappell is absolutely livid about the 22-yard strip at Trent Bridge in the first Test between England and India and he urged the authorities to “sack curators” who produce poor quality pitches.
“That (Trent Bridge) wasn’t a good surface for players to showcase their talent. I hope we are not going to see more of this. If the curator produces more bad pitches then sack him. If he produces good pitches and home sides keep losing – guess what, go and find better players,” Chappell, who is not known for mincing words, told PTI during an exclusive interview.
Chappell spoke on a range of topics from pitches, to Virender Sehwag’s comeback and the exclusion drama of Kevin Pietersen.
“The good pitch also exposes the weaknesses of the players, which is good for the game. It also gives an opportunity for the selectors to look for better player. If anybody does not do well – he will be found out and he is gone,” he said.
As the discussion turned towards out-of-favour opener Sehwag, Chappell said,”I don’t see how he (Sehwag) is going to make a comeback. Sadly, but he was probably a player who was going to finish early. I hate to see him come back and struggle.”
Someone, who has never believed in a coach’s role, Chappell was very critical of Pietersen’s ouster.
“Pietersen was sacked because he did not want the coach. How stupid of England! Who is more important, the coach or the captain – Jesus Christ,” he said, not amused.
“The captain is the most important guy. Coach makes no difference at all. The best of coaches might make 1-2 per cent difference. That’s it. A bloody good captain can make 10 percent difference to the team,” he argued. (PTI)