A great sense of humor and a strong personality is what comes to mind when people mention Murray Chapple. He made his way into the Canterbury team when he was just a teenager and forced his way into the New Zealand side with an aggressive 165 against the touring South Africans. A right-handed opening batsman and a left-arm seam bowler, Chapple adjusted as his career progressed.

Chapple started as an opening batsman but soon moved down to the middle-order. Out of his 14 Tests, 11 were versus South Africa - a country he travelled twice. During his second tour to South Africa in 1961-62, Chapple was John Reid's deputy. He was also part of the squad that won their first ever Test against West Indies in 1955-56. Chapple led New Zealand against England in 1965-66 and it was his last game.

He then became a selector and held the post till 1970. Later on he managed the New Zealand team that toured West Indies in 1971-72, where he played a game as the Black Caps didn't have 11 fit players. However, it was a rain-affected game and Chapple didn't bat, bowl or field. He was also the manager when New Zealand travelled to India and Pakistan in 1976-77.

His death in 1986 came as an unfortunate blow for New Zealand as he was appointed manager for the tour of England. Chapple passed away when he was just 55.