Cricket Australia chairman of selectors Rod Marsh quits

Melbourne, Nov 16: Cricket Australia (CA) chairman of selectors Rod Marsh on Wednesday resigned with immediate effect, in the wake of the national Test team's woeful performance that witnessed five consecutive losses.

Australia's surrender to South Africa in the first two Tests of the three-match series has left CA pondering over several issues as the twin defeat comes after the 0-3 whitewash they suffered against Sri Lanka away. 

They had also lost all the five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) played in South Africa before to the Test series.

Even though Rod Marsh claimed that he had not been forced out of the role, he felt that the team needs fresh thinking.

"This is my own decision and no one within Cricket Australia has pressured me or even suggested that I should do this. 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," he said in a CA release.

"I have always had the best interests of Australian cricket foremost in my heart, and that's why I have made this decision," added Rod Marsh, whose contract was to run till June, 2017.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the role and want to thank the coach, the staff, my co-selectors and all the players for their support and honesty over the past two and a half years. It was a thrill for me to be involved in many successes, including the World Cup win in 2015."

Rod Marsh was appointed Chairman of Selectors for CA on May 2, 2014, replacing John Inverarity. He was previously Cricket Australia's manager of elite coaching development.

CA chairman David Peever thanked Mr Marsh for his tenure and involvement in Australian cricket.

"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."

CA's Board will hold an extraordinary meeting later on Wednesday evening, where a decision on an interim appointment is expected to be reached.