Graveney faces redundancy after ECB review

David Graveney, the former chairman of selectors, could be among those leaving the ECB after a fresh round of redundancies.

ESPNcricinfo understands that Graveney, the former Gloucestershire and Durham captain, has been informed that his current position as National Performance Manager has been made redundant. He has been invited to apply for the new role, which will be entitled National Talent Manager.

Graveney's current role encompasses assessing the county academies and age-group cricket, as well being one of the selectors of the England Under-19 side. As such, he plays an important role in spotting emerging talent and ensuring the best coaching and opportunities are provided to help young players fulfil their potential.

Others affected by the redundancies in recent times include Tim Boon, the England Development Programme coach, Iain Brunnschweiler, Rob Ahmun and Mike Mustoe. Gordon Lord, previously the Head of Elite Coach Development, is also leaving the ECB to take up a similar position with the RFU.

It is understood the changes - most of which come in the area of talent development - are not so much about cutting costs as improving the effectiveness of the talent pathway and come after a review of the current set-up by Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket, and Matt Dwyer, the director of Participation and Growth. With such minor title changes to the roles, it is hard to avoid the suspicion that individuals are being removed to make way for fresh blood.

Graveney was chairman of selectors between 1997 and 2008, a period that was characterised by greater continuity of selection. He was also asked to reapply for that job in 2008 but lost out to Geoff Miller.

Now aged 64, this latest episode could end a career that has included a long spell as a player (his career stretched from 1972 to 1994 and saw him become Durham's first captain upon their elevation to first-class status), a time as CEO of the Professional Cricketers' Association, the role of team manager on the rebel tour of South Africa in 1989-90, and his 11-year stint as selector.