Australian cricket’s chairman of selectors Rod Marsh will leave the post when his contract runs out next year.
Marsh has told Cricket Australia this summer will be his last in the role, ending a three-year tenure.
“We can confirm that Rod Marsh has decided not to continue on in his role as national selector once his contract expires in June, 2017,” a spokesman for Cricket Australia told AAP.
“At this stage no decision has been made on a replacement.”
Former Test wicketkeeper-batsman Marsh took over as chief selector in May, 2014 from John Inverarity, whom he had served under since 2011.
The 68-year-old heads a four-man selection panel that includes Trevor Hohns, Mark Waugh and Australian head coach Darren Lehmann.
Australian captain Steve Smith hadn’t heard of Marsh’s plan to depart when asked following after his side’s loss to South African in Cape Town on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEDT).
But he praised the chief selector.
“Rod’s done a great job for a long period of time and if he feels it’s time to step away from the role then so be it,” Smith said.
Under Marsh, Australia achieved its stated goal of reclaiming the world No.1 Test ranking after it completed a 2-0 away series win over New Zealand in February, but that was relinquished during the July-August whitewash in Sri Lanka.
Like most selectors, Marsh has had his detractors as Australia struggled on the subcontinent, failed to make its mark in international Twenty20 cricket and lost the 2015 Ashes.
He was criticised over the non-selection of Usman Khawaja for a series of limited overs matches this year despite the batsman averaging more than 120 in all forms of cricket during the five months previous.
His treatment of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin also ruffled feathers.
Haddin was left on the sidelines for the third Ashes Test in 2015 for Peter Nevill after he missed the previous game to spend time with his sick daughter in a London hospital.
He never regained his place in the team.
Doogs
Guest
I agree with you. Not an ideal preparation. Unfortunately Australia have a treasure trove of bowlers out injured. There is not much that you can do about that. Hazelwood is the only one rested from the one dayers. Others were injured. Maybe you had ideas on who should go as the bowling squad. Not trying to be smart, just interested in your thoughts
adam
Guest
Finch and bailey well deserve there spots over khawaja
Brasstacks
Guest
Can someone please explain to me the logic of preparing for a summer of test match cricket by playing five one day internationals? May be I am too dumb and missing something here. And while you are at it, please do explain the logic of sending a club class bowling attack to be mauled 5-0 and wreck the confidence of the team.
Yangbong
Guest
Really like the Punter suggestion. Love his insight on the Big Bash commentary. Maybe too close with current players though.
Doogs
Guest
Having your little stir again today David? You must sit there sipping your tea and wondering what outrageous teeth-grinding comment can you make today. Also your wonderful English team - who you repeatedly name as the best in the world - were very nearly beaten by Bangladesh. I guess you will have your usual well-thought out reasons for that. I am gathering you will sprout some diatribe about Australia in Sri Lanka or in the SA one-dayers. The difference being that I am not beating my chest and nominating Australia as number one. I would actually have Pakistan there.
Simoc
Guest
Marsh was never up to the job anyway. A very poor choice from the Board. They should thank him , pay him out and move on. After his cricket playing his best work was reading out horse racing results on Saturday afternoons for Channel 9 in Perth. Kerry Packer knew his abilities.
Rellum
Roar Guru
That is because they see every one day series as a development trail to get players ready for test cricket, because as they have said, international experience is worth more that shield runs.
David a Pom
Guest
Marsh was ordinary but it's tough being a selector in Australia given every batsman in the system can't play a moving ball. Seriously, not one.
anon
Guest
Maybe Khawaja will get a game now.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
As safe as Aaron Finch who played all 5 games in this tour for 100 runs of which 55 game in the very 1st game of the series? George Bailey same thing. How Khawaja doesn't play game 4 and 5 is beyond comprehension.
Vishnu
Guest
Poor selection resulted in this whitewash. are the selectors even watching domestic performances. How can u put 2 debutants in a away series against a team like South Africa. poor guys. they dint even learn what length to bowl there. Too short and they were punished severely. I see a Arjun Nair playing well in the domestic circuit. steady bowling and can bat. why is he not considered for national selection. Jus because he is Indian origin he might suffer like Sandhu . Khawaja was given chances but there s always a risk with his batting. he never appears safe
prosen
Guest
Welcome move,he's been pretty naive.
richo
Guest
One of the worst chairmen we've had. I reckon he must think Mitch Marsh is a long lost grandson or something.
josh
Roar Rookie
Bring in a "moneyball" strategist. Couldn't do any worse.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Speaking of selectors, what was the point of taking Khawaja to SA? Who selects the selectors? I'd go for anybody but Tubby. Punter, Gilly or S R Waugh would be handy,
spruce moose
Guest
Agreed. I reckon a ex-player from another country would be a great move. Balance to the table.
Joey Johns
Roar Guru
Great news. Hopefully the next selector has nothing to do with Australian Cricket. The Jobs for the boys is holding us back.
Sedivkaite
Guest
3 years too long!