Chappell reckons Aussies will retain Ashes
 

by Elmo Rodrigopulle

Trevor Chappell, the former Australian cricketer reckons that Australia would bounce back, win the final Test and retain the mythical Ashes.

Chappell said so in an exclusive chat with me on our way to Watawala to take a look at Saji's Watawala Spring Water (Pvt) Ltd bottling plant which is owned by Bertram Jayasuriya who introduced the 'catch it' fielding machine to the game.

Also keeping our company was Trevor Kelly, another keen Australian cricket fan and close buddy of Chappell.

Incidentally Chappell is here on a coaching assignment at Fingara International Cricket Academy where he is showing the youngsters how to get their game together. Chappell was very impressed with this Academy and paid a glowing tribute to the Ceylinco Group for getting up such a wonderful academy.

It must be recalled that when Chappell was in charge of the Sri Lankan fielding aspect, we had the honour of being tagged as one, if not the best fielding side in the world.

To the final Ashes Test between Australia and England, Chappell said that Australia's woes have stemmed from the fact that their top order batsmen have failed to deliver.

'They are not getting their usual big scores, and this has gone to cause most of their problems. In this aspect one must congratulate the England bowlers, because they have very intelligently sorted out Australia's top order batsmen', said Chappell, the youngest of the Chappell brothers with the other two being Ian and Greg, who did wonders for Aussie cricket.

However Chappell opines that it is time for the Australian selectors to look for fresh blood, considering that most of the present Aussie performers are nearing the end of their illustrious careers.

When asked as to why fresh blood was not introduced on this tour, Chappell said that it was not easy to leave out any of the top players because they were performing and Australia was winning. 'But this England tour has shown up the weak areas and it is time for the Aussie selectors to wring the changes,' said Chappell.

When questioned as to whether Australia have the replacements for the great players who are now in the team, Chappell was prompt to reply that there are no great players in the assembly lines. He said that Aussie cricket would take a dip for sometime, but would rise again with time.

Chappell's buddy Trevor Kelly is plonking for England, saying that if the Brits win it would be for the good of the game.

Bertram Jayasuriya another keen Aussie fan was also confident that Australia would retain the Ashes.