ECB: New Selection Committee appointed (10 August 1999)

10 August 1999

ECB: New Selection Committee appointed

ECB Media Release

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed a Selection Sub Committee of three to choose the Test side for the remaining Cornhill Test Match against New Zealand at The Foster's Oval and for the tour of South Africa this winter, following a series of discussions led by ECB Chairman, Lord MacLaurin.

Chairman of Selectors, David Graveney, England's new coach Duncan Fletcher - who is due to take up his appointment on a full time basis in October - and England captain Nasser Hussain now have the responsibility for selection.

Selectors Graham Gooch and Mike Gatting, who both have an in depth knowledge of the County circuit built over many years, will continue to act as advisors but will not attend selection meetings or have a vote.

The England Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) has endorsed the move to make the changes and the Selection Committee will meet for the first time on Thursday, August 12 to discuss longer term selection policy. Selection for the Foster's Oval Test will be made on Saturday, August 14.

Lord MacLaurin said: "We have reviewed England Team selection and the strengths and limitations of existing selection policy have been considered in detail. Discussions have focused on a policy which would best fulfil the interests of the England Teams for the longer term.

"It is clear that the Selection Sub Committee should produce a clear long term policy statement for EMAC approval and Management Board endorsement as soon as possible."

Brian Bolus, Chairman of EMAC, said: "I have discussed these changes with my colleagues on EMAC. We believe the input of the Coach and Captain is crucial to the future of the Team and that we need to plan long term to build a strong side over a period of time."

Richard Peel,
Director of Corporate Affairs
phone: 0171 432 1244 or 0374 476391

Source :: ECB