Former Australia captain Greg Chappell has expressed deep disappointment at the standard of cricket exhibited in this year’s Ashes series. In a strongly worded column, Chappell criticized both Australia and England for what he described as a lack of character during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Batting proved extremely challenging for both sides on the difficult MCG surface. Neither team managed to cross the 200-run mark in any of the four innings, with the Test ending inside 142 overs. The pitch, which offered sharp seams during the match, was later rated “unsatisfactory” by the ICC, the second-lowest rating available.
After the Test, MCG curator Matt Page apologized for the surface, which sections of the Australian media described as bad for business. However, Chappell took issue with the narrative, which placed the blame solely on the pitch. He argued that the curator was unfairly made a scapegoat, while batsmen from both teams escaped scrutiny for their failure to show resilience.
Drawing on examples from cricket’s past, Chappell wrote that elite players are expected to adapt, grind and survive in difficult conditions rather than reacting with frustration and giving up their wickets cheaply.
“What shocked me the most was the conditions themselves because cricket has always been a game at the mercy of the elements,” Chappell wrote on ESPNCricinfo. “These were the reactions of the batsmen. The incredulous gestures, the muttered oaths, the ironic smiles as they trudged along as if they themselves had been cursed by the rogue delivery. They acted like rookies facing adversity for the first time.”
Chappell further emphasized that Test cricket is built on perseverance and respect for history, not instant gratification. He cited examples including Don Bradman and Kerry O’Keeffe and recalled how players in earlier times struggled with much worse conditions. One such instance was in 1937 when Bradman famously sent his tailenders to open the batting so that his main batsmen could take advantage of better conditions later in the day, a move that eventually helped Australia win the Test.
“They forget that professionalism is measured not by the zeros on the paycheck, but by the willingness to fight for team, nation and honor,” Chappell wrote. “In an era dominated by T20 cricket, players risk exposing 148 years of Ashes history.”
Chappell concluded by pointing out that the two Tests in the series failed to reach the third day, not because of exceptional bowling per se, but because of what he called a glaring absence of desire and discipline from the batsmen.
Australia played the MCG Test without regular captain Pat Cummins and continue to look for stability at the top of the order, particularly at opener and third, where Marnus Labuschagne is struggling for form. England, meanwhile, remain committed to their aggressive Baseball approach, with only Joe Root and Ben Stokes offering the ability to bat for time in tough conditions.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
December 30, 2025
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