Melbourne, Aug 19: In a major revamp of Australian cricket following a year of debacles, chief selector Andrew Hilditch, selection panel member Greg Chappell, who reportedly drove everyone “mad” in the national team, and coach Tim Nielsen were today sacked by the Board.
The overhaul came about after Cricket Australia board accepted recommendations from the Don Argus review into the team's performance following their Ashes debacle last summer.
Hilditch, who was not full-time appointee, was sacked with the CA announcing that a five-man selection panel will be created with a full-time chairman and two independent members. The CA has also decided to give the captain and coach selection powers.
“The position is a full-time role. Andrew is not available to work full time. He has just started up a new legal practice so he is not available to apply for the role,” CA Chairman Jack Clarke said.
“I haven't spoken to Andrew about (whether he wants to stay on the panel). He's certainly unavailable for the top job.”
National talent manager and former India coach, Chappell, has been removed from the selection panel and the players are reportedly very happy with the decision. “He drove us all mad,” one player was quoted as saying by the ‘Daily Telegraph'.
Players complained that Chappell, who had a stormy stint as India coach, was “caustic” influence around the team.
“The players found Chappell such an unsettling influence in the dressing room, particularly when they were batting, that they asked that he be excluded,” the report said. Hilditch, meanwhile, said he supports CA's decision in the best interest of the team.
“I fully support the recommendation of the review panel to appoint a full-time chairman of the national selection panel and the appointment of the captain and coach as members of the panel.” PTI
