“It is time for some fresh thinking”
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Australia’s chairman of selectors Rod Marsh has stepped down from his post following the national team’s disastrous performance in the second Test against South Africa in Hobart, where they were annihilated by an innings and 80 runs.
Marsh had previously announced that he would see out the remainder of his contract, which ran until the middle of 2017, but having opted to pull the plug much earlier than expected, Cricket Australia will hold an “extroardinary general meeting” on Wednesday night in order to try and appoint a temporary replacement.
The 69-year-old also made it clear that the decision to resign was made by himself and not by anyone forcing him to do so.
“This is my own decision and no one within Cricket Australia has pressured me or even suggested that I should do this,” he said. “Clearly, though, it is time for some fresh thinking, just as it is for our Test team to welcome some new faces as we build for the future.
“I have always had the best interests of Australian cricket foremost in my heart, and that’s why I have made this decision.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the role and want to thank the coach, the staff, my co-selectors and all the players for their support and honesty over the past two and a half years. It was a thrill for me to be involved in many successes, including the World Cup win in 2015.
“I wish the captain, coach and the team all the best going forward. We will be great again.”
Cricket Australia chairman David Peever added: “Rod has played a pivotal role during a time of change in Australian cricket, which has seen the team hold the top positions in both Test and one-day rankings as well as secure an ICC Cricket World Cup victory.
“We understand this decision has not come easily for Rod and on behalf of Australian cricket we thank him for his leadership and the integrity and insight he brought to the role throughout his tenure as the national selector and the lifelong commitment he has given to our sport. Above all else, Rod is an outstanding person.”
It is unclear whether Cricket Australia will promote one of the members of the selection panel, which includes Mark Waugh, Trevor Hohns and head coach Darren Lehmann.
Another option the board has is to hand the chairman of selectors job to an outsider. Former captains Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh, along with ex-pace bowler Jason Gillespie, have all voiced their interest in holding such a position in the past.