Mistaken identity.... it's happened again!

A few months ago on this website I regaled the story of how I was astoundingly mistaken for Chris Gayle whilst shopping in Hyderabad. I told Chris the story during the IPL and I thought he was going to have a heart attack, he was laughing so hard!

I have reason to revisit that theme as another bizarre case of mistaken identity cropped up yesterday.

I am currently in Dubai hosting the studio work for Ten Sports for the Zimbabwe Tri Series between India, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. I must admit I am delighted that Allan Donald is partnering me in Dubai and that I am able to provide him with some amusement.

We had a day off yesterday and Allan and I decided to hit the beach.

As we were strolling towards the beach towel attendant I could see him suddenly straighten up and flash his Sri Lankan pearly whites. He had recognized the unique gait of Allan as he walked towards him and he was not going to miss this opportunity. Pleasantries were briefly exchanged between Sanath and AD and then Sanath moved his focus to me. He then started talking about one of his favourite cricket teams, the Australians of the 70's. After my nodding in agreement to his fascination he suddenly thrust out his hand and said, "Here's your beach towel Mr Ian Chappell. It was nice to meet you!"

AD just about fell over.

I obviously could not resist jumping on to my BlackBerry and bouncing an email to Chappelli informing him of my amusing encounter. He replied almost immediately, accompanied by suitable adjectives expressing his shock. He was also quick to inform me that, although it was surprising, it was nothing compared to one example he remembered.

Clive Lloyd was at an airport in Pakistan and a guy came up to Clive and said, "I know you."

Clive was expecting the man to say Viv Richards or perhaps Andy Roberts as that had happened before, but the man said, "You're Ian Chappell." Lloyd immediately snapped back, "Mate, wrong size and wrong colour."

That's right up there with Robin Jackman being mistaken for Ian Bishop during the IPL!

Extraordinary!