Merv Hughes dumped as Australia selector

[mastermind_quad]

Australia's selection panel will have no specialist bowling input after Merv Hughes was cut from the group. Hughes joined as Allan Border's replacement in 2005, but Cricket Australia's board was unanimous in letting him go as a result of Greg Chappell's full-time appointment in August

Andrew Hilditch, the chairman, is contracted until the end of the 2011 World Cup on a part-time basis while David Boon and Jamie Cox were also retained. All four selectors were top-order batsmen during their careers and while that doesn't mean they can't spot bowling potential, it does leave a lopsided panel.

The board made the decision after a presentation from Hilditch in Melbourne on Friday. James Sutherland, Cricket Australia's chief executive, said Hughes had provided valuable input and expertise during the past five years.

"Andrew was clear in his assessment that Merv had been a good selector and a strong contributor around the selection table, but that Cox, Boon and Chappell were the better options to continue on the panel," Sutherland said. "Unfortunately this means that Merv is no longer a member."

The departure of Hughes, who took 212 wickets in 53 Tests, is not a surprise, although Cox's spot was thought to be in danger due to his conflict as South Australia's high-performance manager. Under Hughes' watch the bowlers Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus have developed, while the Test careers of Stuart Clark and Brett Lee ended.

Hughes was criticised for mixing the selection role with his hosting of travel groups on overseas tours, and also had to battle to combine corporate duties with his larrikin nature. Since his appointment Hilditch's panel has received regular criticism for its confusing decisions and Hughes leaves with Australia's Test ranking at an all-time low of No.5

http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/484064.html

 

[Random Aussie]

So the chief selector gets to pick the other selectors?

The main guy responsible for us being number 5 with a squad full of old batters who have failed time and time again gets to decide which other selectors he works with?

No wonder we are at an all time low in the rankings. They should all be fired. Right away.

 

[Amjid Javed]

RA,

So who would you want as selectors?

 

[SOSami]

Unfortunately, that will probably mean Hughes will get back to his real job and spend even more time leading fans' touring parties.

Anyone who has been unlucky enough to end up sitting near that group of idiots in a test match will understand what I mean.

God help us all.

 

[Random Aussie]

RA,

So who would you want as selectors?

Anyone but the current lot. They should be held accountable for our poor performance but they are not.

The previous selection panel headed by Trevor Hohns had the cojones to forcibly retire players ie Ian Healy etc when they had past their best. The current selection panel hangs onto them.

Now we are faced with the real prospect of losing 4 of our top 6 in the next couple of years and nobody has been blooded to replace them.

 

[Umpiredickybird]

Greg Chappell is known for going with young players.

Players on the wrong side of 30 who under perform will lose their spot in the team - hopefully.

 

[James]

just going to enjoy any giggles at Aussie cricket while I still can, bye bye Ashes

 

[IAJ]

just going to enjoy any giggles at Aussie cricket while I still can, bye bye Ashes

Why so pessimist?

 

[James]

I don't think our team is good enough to take score 600 and/or 20 wickets regularly against Australia in Australia.

 

[jeetu]

I don't think our team is good enough to take score 600 and/or 20 wickets regularly against Australia in Australia.

Its one of the toughest feat on Australian soil.
i doubt current australian can do it.

 

[zimran72]

Australia need a new captain. Out with the Ponting culture I think.

Question marks over North and Hussey.

 

[James]

going into this series I would actually rate England as the better team for the first time in my lifetime. whether this will count for anything is another matter.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I don't think our team is good enough to take score 600 and/or 20 wickets regularly against Australia in Australia.

Niether is current Aussies ageing and creaking team!

 

[Robert]

going into this series I would actually rate England as the better team for the first time in my lifetime. .

Gilchrist says the same thing.

I think the batting lines are about equal in strength. Their quicks are a bit better than ours, especially on their own tracks. Obviously our spinners are miles better.

 

[James]

We need 3 batsmen to average 50 and 3 bowlers to take 20 wickets. or something. that's possible.

 

[zimran72]

Gilchrist says the same thing.

I think the batting lines are about equal in strength. Their quicks are a bit better than ours, especially on their own tracks. Obviously our spinners are miles better.

On current form England batting seems much stronger. Trott, Strauss, and Pieterson will be huge.

 

[MenInG]

Merv Hughes inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

Former Australian fast-bowler and one of the most recognisable characters in world cricket, Merv Hughes, was today the 56th inductee into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.