Rod Marsh resigns as Australia's Chairman of selectors

Rod Marsh has resigned from his post as the chief selector of the Australian cricket team in the wake of the national side's lacklusture performances, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Wednesday (November 16).

Australia slipped to a defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Hobart, and with it lost the three-match rubber 2-0. CA is set to hold a board meeting later on Wednesday to announce Marsh's replacement.

"This is my own decision and no one within Cricket Australia has pressured me or even suggested that I should do this," Marsh said. "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. Ihave always had the best interests of Australian cricket foremost in my heart, and that's why I have made this decision."

Marsh, the 69-year-old former wicketkeeper-batsman, took over the reins as the Chairman of the selection committee back in March 2014. Under his tenure, Australia won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 and were ranked No.1 in Test cricket earlier this year.

However, Australia couldn't prove their mettle away from home as they lost Test series to Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. To make matters worse, they were also convincingly beaten 2-0 by South Africa in the ongoing three-match Test series at home.

Marsh, who effected 355 dismissals behind the stumps, also worked as the Coach and Director of the Australian Cricket Academy from 1990 to 2001. During his time as the Director of the Academy, cricketers such as Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Justin Langer, Michael Slater, Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee, Adam Gilchrist and Co. came through the ranks. Marsh then served as England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) Director of Academy from July 2001 to 2005.

The CA chairman David Peever shared his views on Marsh's resignation. "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," he observed.

"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," Peever said.