Cox joins selection panel

Jamie Cox, the former Tasmania opening batsman, has been named as Australia's fourth national selector. He joins Andrew Hilditch, David Boon and Merv Hughes on the panel and replaces Allan Border, who resigned last month.

Cox captained Tasmania and Somerset in a first-class career that spanned 19 years and although he was a prolific run-scorer - he averaged 42.69 in 264 matches - he did not represent Australia. He said at the MCG today that when he was offered the position he reflected on the role selectors had played in his own career.

"I couldn't help but see the irony of the moment," Cox said. "They did frustrate me for a decade. I think the career that I had actually holds me in real good stead to be a selector. It gives you a natural empathy for those that are on the fringe."

Cox, who retired from first-class cricket in 2005-06, said balancing an ageing Australia team with some younger guys would be a difficult job. "Some [of the older players] will go on their own no doubt, but some will need a nudge and to time that correctly is going to be a huge challenge," he said. "It's exciting because we've got a good [younger] crop ready to come as well."