Marsh named Australia’s chief selector

Board awards three-year contract to former Test player

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 (CA) announced on Friday.

Marsh, who moves to a full-time role leading a panel that includes national coach Darren Lehmann, former Test and ODI star Waugh and Hohns, 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 chief executive James Sutherland said Marsh, who has been offered a three-year contract, has the experience 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," said Sutherland.

"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."

Rogers casts doubts on Australia’s ranking

Opening batsman Chris Rogers is uncertain Australia deserve to be ranked world number one in Tests, saying the team's 4-0 drubbing by India was not the mark of a top team.

While hailed by most local media, Australia's promotion without a bowl being balled has raised eyebrows, coming only weeks after South Africa were awarded a $475,000 cheque by the ICC for finishing the season on top.

Rogers suggested he was also unconvinced.

"I don't know, personally," said Rogers. "Obviously, there's still some unfinished business.

“Losing four-nil in India – you can't do that if you're number one – but I think to beat South Africa in South Africa meant a lot.

"They were number one and to go beat them in their place; I think that is a big achievement. I think we're going in the right direction and we just need to keep playing well."