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Ian Chappell reveals he is battling skin cancer
Australia Ian Chappell's recent pathology reports for skin cancer were all clear after he underwent five weeks of intense radiation. He is looking forward to commentate in the upcoming Ashes that starts from August 1
Former Australia captain and current commentator Ian Chappell revealed that he is battling skin cancer, but wants to commentate nonetheless when the Ashes starts from August 1.
Chappell played 75 Tests for Australia between 1964 and 1980. He stated that he has had five weeks of intense radiation therapy, where skin cancers from his shoulder, neck and underarm were removed.
"When you hit 70 you feel (vulnerable) anyhow, but I guess I've got so used to bloody skin cancers over the years, and the fact that none of them have been melanomas, probably provides a bit of comfort. It may be naivety on my part," Chappell told The Daily Telegraph.
However, his latest pathology reports are all clear, and he is eager to commentate in the Ashes that starts at Birmingham. He had even recently attended a family reunion that was attended by his brothers Trevor and Greg.
Ian, who scored over 5300 Test runs, went on to add that his battle with cancer has prepared him for the worst.
"I've had multiple skin cancers cut off, burnt off and every other way you can get rid of them. You get to 70 and you start to think, 'Christ, it's getting near the end now.' But I saw my mother, Jeanne near the end and she'd come to grips with death, and that's probably when I thought, 'shit, this is something you need to deal with'," Chappell said.
"Not that you're trying to rush it, but when it comes you're comfortable. I guess I've been in that mode for a while now, and when it happens you just say, 'well, I've had a pretty good time and that's it.
"When Richie (Benaud) and Tony (Greig) went again, it was just a reminder that it happens to everybody."
Ian had initially hid the news from his family and friends, but later told them after being confident of treatment.
"I didn't tell too many people early on. Mainly because I just wasn't sure what the radiotherapy would involve and how weary I'd be. But as it turned out, it wasn't so bad. A bit of tiredness at night and a bit of skin irritation, but other than that I'm feeling pretty good," Chappell revealed.
"I told family and gradually a couple of my teammates and I've been getting calls from them pretty regularly which is nice. With the Ashes coming up now, I'll speak to Nine (Broadcaster) and just say, 'look, I'm ready to go if you need me'."
