Former Australian captain and cricket commentator Ian Chappell has completed 40 years with the Nine Network on Wednesday (20 June) and the broadcaster decided to surprise him on the special occasion by fulfilling his simple wish

While Bill Lawry received a car for his 80th birthday from Nine to honor long-standing services to the channel from late from Kerry Packer, Chappell wished only for a “nice bottle of wine”.

The Aussie great was presented with a vintage bottle of Penfolds Grange Hermitage in an iconic World Series Cricket case from the private collection of Packer himself.

As per reports in nine.com.au, Nine CEO Hugh Marks said, “Following up from Bill’s car the other day, and you did say you were promised a nice bottle of wine or all you needed was a nice bottle of wine, we found this World Series Cricket special edition of Grange Hermitage in Kerry’s old stash, 1977. I think that qualifies as a nice bottle of wine.”

Marks further went on to explain the significance of having such legend on the board, “Bill and Chappelli have given our great company 40 years of terrific service. It’s only fitting that we continue our professional and personal relationship with Bill and Ian, and through them, their families who have also sacrificed so much over the past four decades.

The world has changed and that presents constant challenges but also opportunities. As a business to be able to continue to benefit through the unique insights offered by two amazing sports broadcasters is an opportunity that excites us for the future.”

Meanwhile, Chappell, who has been with Nine since the summer of 1980/81, decided to spend his entire commentary career at Nine along with Lawry last month.

He said, “It will be fascinating. I had a wonderful stint in the commentary box, and the last couple of years were as enjoyable as any in that period. But it’s great to still be part of the Nine family.”

(Inputs from Channel 9)