AUSTRALIAN cricket legend Greg Chappell has said the Ashes sledging saga has been blown out of proportion by the media.
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During a Ballarat-Redan Cricket Club luncheon at Miners Tavern
yesterday, Chappell said sledging was not a growing issue.
When asked if sledging at the national level was impacting local cricket, he said it was more prevalent at the grass-roots level.
Chappell did not wish to make any further comment on the issue.
The former Australian captain said junior development in Ballarat was evidently progressing, making note of 18-year-old Matt Short’s recent appointment as development rookie with the Melbourne Renegades.
“He is a very talented young cricketer but still has a long way to go,” he said.
“The thing I noticed about Matt is how natural he is.”
However, he said Short would excel further in the hands of good coaches.
“With good coaching he will explore how far he can take it and how to manage risks,” he said.
“Life is about taking risks. And batting is about taking risks.
“You have take that chance to make runs.”
Chappell captained Australia between 1975 and 1977, before returning to the role in 1979 until 1984.
At the time of his retirement in 1984, the all-rounder held the world record for the most number of catches in test cricket, at 122.
david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au