Cricket Australia search for full-time selector

Cricket Australia are set to appoint their first full-time national selector in a move to professionalise the four-man panel. The successful applicant will double as a national talent manger, while the role will also include being a spokesman and a touring selector.

The structure of Australia's selection panel has been debated for some time with a feeling that it demands a full-time role, although this latest development doesn't go as far as to impact the chairman's position. Andrew Hilditch, the current chairman, has faced some difficult situations when trying to perform his cricket role along with his career as a lawyer.

The selection panel will remain at four so if one of the current members - Hilditch, Jamie Cox, Merv Hughes or David Boon - doesn't get the new job then someone will have to move aside. Michael Brown, CA's general manager, said the change would help the relationship between state sides and the international set-up

"The creation of the position is a wonderful step for the professionalism of Australian cricket," Brown said. "[He] will lead the national talent management system and ensure efficient and effective talent identification systems that also embrace national selection philosophies.

"History shows the tremendous job all states have done in identifying cricket talent. This position allows a strengthening of these relationships while at the same time helping player progression plans in conjunction with national and state high performance staff. We expect this person to play a key role in managing senior Australian teams and being available to communicate with current players and those who have been identified as potential Australian players."