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.”
AlanKC
Guest
Go easy on JJ, obviously his "zinger" habit has fried his synapses...
Republican
Guest
.......& that is why you never move forward in so many other ways as well.
Republican
Guest
.......I think Marsh has simply had enough. There is after all - more to life surely Sheek.
doogs
Guest
Hazelwood was being rested. Stark, Pattinson and Cummins were all injured. Speaking of embarrassing
doogs
Guest
Yes but I am quite sure the reason for your bitterness has nothing to do with Rod Marsh and more to do with your attitude
Don Freo
Guest
That's all that was available. You actually need to follow the game to know that stuff.
Don Freo
Guest
The problem is that the thing you think is a spade is actually a garden hose.
Joey Johns
Roar Guru
Gold!
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Things are really crook for Australia when they're this comprehensively out-cheated too. What is going on?
AlanKC
Guest
Things are crook with SA Rugby BB when you're posting on cricket pages :)
AlanKC
Guest
That along with the decision to go to war in Iraq, to remove flouride from the water and introduce rabbits and cane toads can all be laid squarely at Rod Marsh's feet Don, you should know that ;)
Matthew H
Guest
Well, so far Mitch averages ~26 with the bat and ~14 with the ball after 2 tests at Adelaide, including being runs positive (scored while batting v conceded while bowling). His confidence looks down at the moment though, is it right to shift anyone in and out too much early in test career?
Matthew H
Guest
After 22 tests S Waugh was batting at 26 & bowling at 36, many felt the same way about S Waugh as they now do about M Marsh. I'm not suggesting that M Marsh will become as good a cricketer as S Waugh, but I do think it's not the the time to write him off either.
Mike Dugg
Guest
Yes let's give Mitch Marsh 50 tests straight to average 20 with the bat and 40 with the ball
Big Steve
Guest
especially when he didn't score any significant runs.
Big Steve
Guest
even in his poor run of form would have been hard for him to score less runs than Ferguson.
Phil
Guest
Ok Rod Marsh gone.. How about Darren Lehman....dead man walking?????
Bfc
Guest
Steve Smith was sent home from Sri Lanka mid series....send the captain home while we are getting thumped? Whose idea was that? I suspect it was not made by the selectors...who makes the 'player rotation' decisions? Is it the wonderfully (if incorrectly...) named High performance unit...so Pat Howard..? Bacchus is a great of Oz cricket and has made an honourable decision to step down...it must hurt a Test great a lot to see his team struggle. Wonder if the highly paid professionals that actually run CA feel the same pain...?
Ozibatla
Guest
Mennie was picked because he was seen as a better batsmen than bird. The point is mute if they both bat in the tail as far as im concerned. Just a ludicrous reason really.
Ches
Guest
What Rod Marsh really meant to say was .............. "It is with great regret that I submit my resignation effective immediately. The reason for this is the "system" of cricket in Australia is failing miserably. Namely the continued appointment of Mr Pat Howard who is ultimately the "Chief of Selectors" with his KPI's & stupid player rotation policies that consistently undermines my position as "Chief of selectors" by not allowing us to select the players we want, thus making my position untenable. It has been a pleasure to work with ..............................................................." Bachus is just to much of a gentleman and toeing the party line to speak the truth. Sorry Marshy. It was unfair on you.