Marsh Takes Over As Australia Coach From Simpson (20 May 1996)

20 May 1996

Marsh takes over as Aussie coach from Simpson

By Nelson Clare

THE Australian Cricket Board have dropped Bob Simpson as national coach. Former Test batsman Geoff Marsh will take over from July 1, the board announced in Melbourne on Saturday.

"I think Bob did a fantastic job and I learnt a lot from him while playing in the side," said Marsh, 37. "But I have my ideas and I will take those to Mark [captain Taylor], who`s still in charge."

The ACB decided not to renew the contract of Simpson, 60, the former Test captain, who took Australia back to the top of Test cricket during his 10 years in the post.

Chief executive Graham Halbish rang Simpson on holiday in Italy to inform him of the decision. Simpson had wanted to continue in the role.

The Australians have announced that they will not be playing a two-Test series in Sri Lanka in August but were likely to take part in the Singer Series of oneday matches against Sri Lanka, India and Zimbabwe from Aug 25-Sept 8.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (http.//www.telegraph.co.uk)