Former Australian Test all-rounder Marcus North has been confirmed as the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new men’s national selector.
North, who played 21 Tests for Australia under the captaincy of Ricky Ponting across 2009 and 2010, has left his role as director of cricket at Durham County Cricket Club to take up the gig with the ECB.
The 46-year-old will contribute to the selection of all England men’s squads, from the senior teams through to the Lions and Young Lions programs.
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Marcus North during his time as director of cricket at Durham County Cricket Club. Getty
He will also oversee domestic cricket throughout the English summer, help manage central contracts, and work in talent identification and succession planning.
“I am absolutely delighted … It is a tremendous honour to be entrusted with a role of such responsibility, and I am excited to contribute to the continued development of the England men’s teams,” North said in an ECB statement.
“Having spent the past several years working closely within the county game, I have seen first-hand the strength and depth of talent across the domestic system.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with the counties in identifying, supporting and selecting players who can thrive at international level.
“The opportunity to help shape the future of England men’s teams is one I’m incredibly passionate about.”
The managing director of England men’s cricket, Rob Key, said North stood out with his “knowledge of the domestic game, his experience across different environments and the relationships he has built throughout county cricket”.
“He has been heavily involved in the county game for many years, both as a player and more recently during eight successful years as director of cricket at Durham, where he has earned huge respect across the game,” Key said.
“Marcus also brings international pedigree from his time playing for Australia, and we believe his experience and understanding of the player pathway and high-performance environment will be a real asset to England men’s cricket.”
Marcus North in 2010 during his 21-Test career with Australia. Getty
North replaces former England limited-overs batter Luke Wright, who resigned following last summer’s disastrous Ashes tour of Australia.
Key and coach Brendon McCullum remained in their roles as Wright bore the brunt of responsibility.
England was heavily criticised for its selection across the Ashes. The selection matters that drew most scrutiny were the dropping of Ben Foakes as wicketkeeper for the series, sticking with Ollie Pope for too long, not picking enough reserve batters in their squad, not picking Jacob Bethell soon enough, and not playing spinner Shoaib Bashir at any point.
Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh served as an England selector in 2003, ahead of the iconic 2005 Ashes series won by England.
North played in two Ashes series, in 2009 and the 2010-11 home summer. Australia lost both series.
He now shapes as a key man for England ahead of the 2027 Ashes series in the UK.
The UK Telegraph journalist Will Macpherson described North as “the most English of Australians”.
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