Cricket Australia has named Trevor Hohns as the interim replacement of the outgoing Chairman of Selectors, Rod Marsh. Marsh had, yesterday, resigned from his post following the debacle of Australia in the ongoing 3-match Commonwealth Bank Test Series which they have lost 2-0 to South Africa.
In addition to Hohns, Greg Chappell, is also brought on the panel on an interim basis. Chappell is currently the CA’s National Talent Manager.
Earlier, yesterday, Cricket Australia held a meeting following the decision by Rod Marsh to stand down as full-time chairman, to confirm the changes.
Hohns is a former cricketer who played seven Tests for Australia in 1989. In addition, Hohns, a Queenslander, holds a vast experience in selection panel, having been a national selector from 1993 to 2006, including 10 years as chairman of the panel. He had been a selector for Queensland Cricket and its state talent manager since 2011, before rejoining the National Selection Panel in May 2014.
Speaking about this announcement, Cricket Australia’s Chairman, David Peever, said Mr Hohns had agreed to fulfill the duties of Chairman of Selectors on an interim basis, to enable a complete recruitment process to be conducted for the role and for the necessary continuity in the selection processes.
Speaking about the Chairman of Selection Panel, Peever added, “It is vital that Australian cricket finds the best candidate for this role. Trevor is highly experienced as a selector, and will ensure we place our best players on the field this summer while we seek a permanent replacement for Rod.”
Greg Chappell, who also joins the panel, has been instrumental in developing the game. Post his retirement from Test cricket, he’s been under different capacities of talent identification and selection.
The Board Chairman, while speaking about Chappell’s appointment, said, “Greg has been instrumental in restructuring our youth pathway program, driving the National Performance Squad, the introduction of a CA XI squad in the domestic one-day cup and creating clear pathways for talented youth in Australian cricket to aspire to wear the Baggy Green. His in-depth knowledge of up-and-coming talent in the Australian system will be invaluable.’’
To concentrate on his new assignment, Chappell will give up his role as Cricket Australia’s National Talent Manager.
Speaking further, Peever said the Board also supported senior management and its ability to deliver Cricket Australia’s strategy.
Stating the disappointment in the Board Officials following the 2-0 loss, he said, “Naturally the Board and our senior executive are disappointed with the recent Test performances, but we have every confidence that all those involved, including our coaching staff and team management, will do their utmost to turn that around.’’
In a next, the Board will work out a process to identify permanent members of the National Selection Panel.