Rod Marsh quits as Cricket Australia chief selector

Melbourne [Australia], Nov. 16 (ANI): Cricket Australia chairman of selectors Rod Marsh has resigned from his post following the humiliating Test series defeat at the hands of South Africa. Proteas' pacemen tore through Australia's last eight wickets before lunch on Day Four of the second Test to complete a humiliating innings and 80-run defeat at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Tuesday and seal the three-match Test series with a game to spare. Marsh, who is due to finish his contract in June, stood down today as the pressure for change started increasing especially with Australia's recent slump in form. "This is my own decision and no-one within Cricket Australia has pressured me or even suggested that I should do this," he was quoted as saying by news.com.au. "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. I have always had the best interests of Australian cricket foremost in my heart, and that's why I have made this decision," he added. The 95-Test veteran said he has thoroughly enjoyed the role and thanked the coach, the staff, his 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. I wish the captain, coach and the team all the best going forward. We will be great again," Marsh said. The new chairman will be appointed in Cricket Australia's board meeting which is scheduled to take place today. Trevor Hohns, one of the selectors, who was a 10-year chairman, is one of the candidates. The Proteas have now won their last three series in Australia, following victories under Graeme Smith in 2008 and 2012. Steve Smith is currently top-ranked batsmen in the world, with 15 centuries to his name in 45 Tests, but his role as a captain has been under the scanner following five successive Test defeats that also saw Australia slip to third from first in the team rankings. Australia will further slip to fifth if they fail to stop South Africa from completing series whitewash in the third and final Test in Adelaide, starting November 24. (ANI)