On this day in 1972, history was made in Wellington, New Zealand, as Ian and Greg Chappell became the first pair of brothers to score centuries in the same Test innings. Their remarkable feat came during the first Test of the series between Australia and New Zealand.
The match began on a positive note for Australia after Ian Chappell won the toss and elected to bat on a favorable Basin Reserve pitch. However, early wickets fell, leaving the team at 55 for two. This brought the Chappell brothers together at the crease. What followed was a batting masterclass that showcased not only their talents but also their ability to dominate as a pair.
Ian Chappell, the elder brother and captain of the Australian side, was aggressive in his approach. His innings was characterized by powerful hooks and pulls, as he took on the New Zealand bowlers with confidence.
On the other hand, Greg Chappell, amid personal turmoil, demonstrated poise and elegance, driving the ball with exquisite timing and grace. The contrast between Ian’s ferocity and Greg’s serenity made for a compelling partnership.
How the Chappell brothers stitched history!
Ian Chappell reached his century in four hours and seven minutes, facing 207 balls. Greg, batting with an air of calmness that belied the emotional storm he was weathering, brought up his hundred in just two hours and 35 minutes off 160 deliveries.
The brothers’ partnership flourished as they added 264 runs for the third wicket, with Ian eventually falling for 145. Greg, however, continued his innings, ending the day unbeaten on 162. The next day, Greg Chappell resumed his innings with the same fluidity, eventually surpassing the double-century mark. By lunch, he was on 247, eyeing a triple century.
However, Ian decided to declare the innings at 511 for six, a decision that Greg initially questioned, given the placid nature of the pitch. Despite the declaration, the match ended in a high-scoring draw, with New Zealand also posting an impressive total of 484 in their first innings.
Australia batted again, and once more, the Chappell brothers were at the forefront. Ian scored his second century of the match, making 121, while Greg added another 133 to his tally, bringing his match total to an extraordinary 380 runs. This achievement set a new world record for the highest individual aggregate in a Test match, a record that stood until 1990.
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