SYDNEY, Sept 23: Former Australian cricketer Greg Chappell, who had a two-year coaching stint with the Indian team, will play a key role for the Aussies during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India.

Chappell, who heads the “Centre of Excellence in Brisbane”, will also be an assistant to Australia coach Tim Nielsen, and will accompany the squad.

During his stay with the Aussie team, he will provide great insight as he is a former India coach and also a key advisor at India’s own “Centre of Excellence” at the Rajasthan Cricket Academy in Jaipur.

The 15-man Australian squad will begin a week’s training in Jaipur before heading to Hyderabad for their only official warm-up match leading into the series opener. “It’s good to be involved this time. Obviously it’s a transition period and always an exciting time. Obviously I’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the young players. Just talking about the conditions in India, generally, will be part of the role,” said Chappell.

“Just what to expect in India, conditions, weather, food, all those different things. We’ll be talking about the whole strategy involving bowling and batting in India. There will be discussions certainly with the coaching staff and probably with the individuals,” the Daily Telegraph quoted the former skipper as saying.—Agencies