Former Australian captain and opening batsman Mark Taylor has made the decision to stand down from the Cricket Australia board of directors on Monday afternoon.
The resignation comes as something of a shock, with Taylor calling a snap media conference to announce the decision.
“It was time to either step up or step off,” said Taylor to the media.
“I think I have made the right decision to step down and leave Cricket Australia in good hands.”
“I don’t think I can give any more. This role has taken a lot out of me and it’s time to give someone else a good opportunity.”
With Australia mauled by South Africa in the first ODI in Perth yesterday and the review into the ethics and culture of Australian cricket announced just a week ago, it’s been a tumultuous period for the governing body.
Taylor’s decision to quite comes hot on the heels of former chairman David Peever standing down late last week after the ethics review found there was plenty still needing to be addressed from the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.
While the former captain has received support to take over the top job at Cricket Australia, he ruled himself out of contention for the gig.
Speaking on Channel 9’s Wide World of Sport yesterday, Taylor said Peever may not have been appointed as chairman in the recent AGM had the report been released first.
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“In hindsight, yes.
“I don’t think there is anything too scurrilous about the timing of the report, I’m on the subcommittee.
“(But) it would have been better pushing the AGM back a week to give the states and everyone a chance to have their say, get it out there and then say (to Peever) do you want to re-apply?”
Wise Old Elf
Guest
Drain the swamp completely. Sutherland should be shown the door earlier than scheduled. The fish rots from the head.
Stevevo
Roar Rookie
Figured out that there is more Money and less stress flogging Air conditioners and talking crap on the cricket channel
Paul
Roar Guru
This is a very classy move from a very classy person. He realised he should finish his tenure and he did so willingly and with dignity. The comments from the ACA were also telling, offering their support and praise for his efforts to improve relationships with CA. In other words, he was one guy who was genuinely trying to make a difference after the events in March. Best of luck to the person trying to take his place.
Phil
Roar Rookie
I'm disappointed Tubby stood down as he is a passionate cricket type rather than a corporate type. Sure he was part of the board that ruled cricket at the SA trouble but at least he can man up and admit mistakes were made unlike his former Chairman. On another website someone said he was deserting a sinking ship which is wrong, he is standing aside to give someone else a go. As for Ian Chappell, he should toddle off to Happy Haven Retirement Village and take up Bingo. That other panellist Fitzsymonds, geez I don't know what to make of a middle aged bloke that wears a red hanky on his head. Chappelli may have been right, someone looking for a spotlight. Australian Cricket is going through a rut at the moment and only time will take care of it. Personally, I can't take to the shortened forms of the game despite them being prolific money spinners. They are very popular, yes, and have attracted many new fans to the game but I feel they have contributed to the downfall of the red ball games. One time Sheffield Shield games were a must see and a breeding/training game for future test players. Not only the short games but year round cricket has also had an affect. With wall to wall games all year round there is a lack of hunger for the game the sort of hunger that once drew crowds of tens of thousands to Shield games. Nowadays if a young batsman hits a couple of high fifties and the odd ton he is spoken of as a future test player and then comes the lure of the almighty dollar in the pop gun games that require a faster run rate and that is priority. I know I am old fashioned, and I am getting on a bit but having a strong Shield comp where players have to belt out ton after ton, run after run to prove they have test potential is what's necessary to put the grunt back into our great game.
Kopa Shamsu
Guest
Raising my all hands and legs to second that opinion. Both board and selection panel.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
My suggestion for new board: Lance Armstrong, Ben Johnson, Candice Warner & Erin Molan.
anon
Roar Pro
He was on the Board and part of the problem.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
No. The rest of the Board has to go. A clean swee is required. New Board comprised of five ex test/first class cricketers and four from the business or cricketing community. Chairman to be from one of the five.
pakistanstar
Roar Rookie
Pat "do nothing" Howard must be feeling the heat now, he's the last domino to fall
Peter
Roar Rookie
Falling like ninepins.