Marsh to lead Oz selectors

Sydney - Test great Rod Marsh will head up a restructured Australian selection panel featuring newcomer Mark Waugh and former chief selector Trevor Hohns, Cricket Australia said on Friday.

Marsh was endorsed by CA's board of directors as a replacement for John Inverarity, 70, who has stood down after two-and-a-half years in charge.

CA said Marsh will move to a full-time role leading a panel that includes national coach Darren Lehmann, former Test and one day international star Waugh and Hohns, with Andy Bichel departing.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said Marsh, who has been offered a three-year contract, has the experience and knowledge to carry out the challenging responsibilities of leading the panel.

"Rod Marsh is the right man to take on this important role having been a key member of the panel since 2011," he said.

"He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having been a leading player, coach and selector.

"He has a great eye for talent and has strong relationships throughout international cricket."

Marsh's Test career spanned 14 years from 1970-1984, during which time he made a then-record 355 dismissals as wicketkeeper.

From 1990 to 2001 he oversaw the development of Australia's best young cricketers as head coach of the national cricket academy, where he helped launch the international careers of the likes of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

Marsh then took up the same position in England in 2001 before also becoming an England selector.

Marsh, 66, stepped down from the England academy and as a selector in 2005 after playing a key role in England's first Ashes victory for 16 years.

Sutherland said Waugh would bring fresh ideas with a particular focus on the limited-overs formats, while Hohns gives unrivalled selection experience to the panel having been a national selector from 1993 to 2006, including 10 years as chairman.

Sutherland also paid tribute to the contributions of Inverarity and Bichel.

"When John Inverarity took over as national selector the Australian Test team was ranked fourth in the world and its on-field performance was well short of where it is today," he said.

"He leaves his post with Australian teams in a position of strength holding the number one ranking in Test and ODI cricket.

"That reflects his commitment and the astute judgement he brought to the role at a challenging time for Australian cricket."