Thaindian News

Melbourne, Aug 19 (IANS) Andrew Hilditch, who Friday was removed as Cricket Australia (CA) chairman of national selection panel, said he supports the board’s decision to have captain and coach in the five-member National Selection Panel (NSP).

“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. It is a structure I supported as appropriate when interviewed by the review panel and I think it will serve Australian cricket well going into the future,” said Hilditch in a statement.

“I will be making no other public comment on the review and its findings. That is a matter for Cricket Australia to consider and act on as it sees fit,” said Hilditch, who was appointed as a selector in 1996-97 and a was elevated to chairman in 2006.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cricket Australia for the great privilege they bestowed on me when appointing me as a selector some 15 years ago and then five years ago as chairman of the National Selection Panel,” he said.

Hilditch said it was going to be difficult years for him as chairman with the exodus of so many great players.

“But I have given it my all and always acted to the best of my ability to achieve the best outcome for Australian cricket. Once the new head selector is appointed, I look forward to spending a lot more time with family and friends and my growing legal practice. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve Australian cricket,” he said.