‘The captain is expected to uphold the highest standards’ – Greg Chappell pens down an open letter for Tim Paine after SCG Test controversy

Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell penned down an open letter for current Aussie skipper Tim Paine after the latter was involved in a controversy during the third Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. During the final day’s play, he had a verbal war with Ravi Ashwin and resorted to abuses. Paine, thereafter, apologised that he got a bit carried away in the heat of the moment.

Chappell, who had represented Australia in 87 Tests and 74 ODIs, said that being a skipper, Paine needs to lead from the front and not get overawed by the situation. The veteran mentioned how being the skipper of a team comes with a massive responsibility.

“It is always an honour to represent the country and it is a huge privilege to be invited to be the captain,” Chappell’s letter in the Sydney Morning Herald read.

I urge you to set better examples to millions of little boys and girls: Chappell to Tim Paine

“The captain is expected to uphold the highest standards, through his actions and restraint even under extreme pressure. I failed to do this 40 years ago and I urge you to bear this in mind for the future,” he stated.

Chappell, who scored 27 tons and 45 fifties for the Aussies in his 13-year long career, asked Paine to show some character. The 72-year-old from South Australia told Paine to show his attacking instinct with cricketing prowess.

“Abuse is not acceptable in any workplace and talk, in my opinion, is cheap. It does not show one’s strength. Rather, it displays a weakness of character,” Chappell mentioned.

“I urge you to impress on the team to let the bat and ball do the talking and set better examples to millions of impressionable little boys and girls, lest they start imitating the worst instincts and actions of their sporting heroes. This will be the greatest legacy that you can leave,” Chappell added.

Paine has been leading the Australian Test team since the infamous ball-tampering scandal back in March 2018 at the Newlands in Cape Town. He was the skipper in the limited-overs formats as well only to be replaced by Aaron Finch later on.