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After Australia’s disastrous start to the home Test summer, chairman of the National selection panel Rod Marsh has resigned from his role effective immediately.
Australia’s form has been on a slippery slope following a 3-0 drubbing away to Sri Lanka, and then a capitulation in both Perth and Hobart against the South Africans.
Losing 8 for 32 in the second innings completed the embarrassment as they crashed to an innings defeat.
It placed the spotlight on the selectors with plenty of decisions raising eyebrows.
Marsh said he hadn’t been forced out of the role, but admitted it was time for a change after the disastrous start.
“This is my own decision and no-one within Cricket Australia has pressured me or even suggested that I should do this,” the 96-Test veteran 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 wish the captain, coach and the team all the best going forward. We will be great again,” said Marsh.
After the heavy first Test defeat, Marsh announced the squad would be the same for the second, although Callum Ferguson was selected ahead of Mitchell Marsh at number 6 in the only unforced change.
No replacement for Marsh has been named as yet, but the Cricket Australia Board is expected to hold an extraordinary meeting this evening where they will make a decision and appoint an interim chairman of the national selection panel.
The news comes after Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland labelled Australia ‘lucky to be a top ten side’ and confirmed he wouldn’t step down from his role unless the board asked him to.
Captain Steve Smith indicated in the press conference after the second Test that he wasn’t getting the team he wanted from the selectors, and most of the players have now been sent back to the Sheffield Shield before the third Test gets underway next Thursday under lights in Adelaide.
Cricket Australia’s chairman David Peever thanked Marsh for his efforts.
“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,” Peever said.
“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.”
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