Before becoming a key figure in the stewardship of the national team, Steve Bernard was a tall, powerfully-built right-arm fast bowler who represented New South Wales in first-class competition 29 times in the 1970s. He was a determined player with a modest record and regularly took the new ball for the Blues, although he captured only five wickets in an innings on two occasions. He became better known for his roles in a range of senior positions in New South Wales and Australian cricket. Through the 1980s and early 1990s, he served his state with distinction as a selector, even assuming chairmanship of the panel towards the end of his stint. He then graduated to a position on the national selection panel in 1993-94, operating in the post for the following four years. Appointed team manager for the Australian tour of India in 1997-98, he has usually filled the role since then and is often spotted reading a local paper in the dressing room when the team is in the field.
Cricinfo staff