Australia has just won the 2003 One-Day World Cup and in doing so its 17th one-day match in a row, successfully defending its 1999 title. Most experts of the game believe that the Australian Test team is also the best in the world today. The present state of Australian cricket has not come about by good luck or accident - it is as the result of those that fought so hard for better pay and conditions resulting in our country developing best cricketing infrastructure in the world. The West Indian team ruled the cricket world in the late 70s and 80s, but without the infrastructure that Australia has today it no longer rules the roost. The present day Australian players can thank those of the Chappell Years for what they have today.

Mike Coward has followed up on his previous gem of a book Calypso Summer with an even more important book in terms of illustrating why Australian cricket is in such an excellent position at this point in time. While Ian Chappell was a great Test Captain and cricketer, he also was a champion for his players against the establishment. Some people would argue that Kerry Packer played the biggest part in the introduction of World Series Cricket, but he could not have done it without the input of Ian and Greg Chappell. This book gives you a first hand point of view about how it all came about. One revelation that interested me was Bill Lawry's letter from India complaining about player condition, illustrating how badly the players had been mistreated by the administrators of the game.

From a cricketing perspective there are insights into some of the majestic Test matches played during the Chappell Years in the 70s. Whilst reading this book I felt as though I was living through the 70s for a second time!

In my opinion The Chappell Years illustrates some the most interesting episodes in Australian cricket and leaves the reader with a feeling of nostalgia and memories of some great cricket at a time when the game endured its most tumultuous period with the advent of World Series Cricket and the South African issue.

The Chappell brothers, in particular Ian, have made an invaluable contribution to the game. Ian today is a well respected commentator and must privately be extremely proud of his contribution to the game.

I highly recommend The Chappell Years to anyone with the slightest interest in cricket.