Clarke stepping down was key: Marsh

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NEW Australian chairman of selectors Rod Marsh claims that Michael Clarke stepping down as a selector last year is a fundamental reason for Australia's rapid improvement.

Marsh, a current selector who replaces John Inverarity as chairman, claims that Clarke's off-field leadership has gone to another level after relinquishing the responsibility of selection midway through last year.

The former wicket-keeping great also praised the contribution of new coach Darren Lehmann and claimed the return of Mitchell Johnson "bowling like the wind" was also pivotal to Australia's spectacular summer.

Marsh was appointed as chairman of selectors at a Cricket Australia board meeting in Melbourne on Friday.

Mark Waugh and Trevor Hohns have replaced Inverarity and Andy Bichel on the four-man panel, while coach Darren Lehmann remains.

"Michael gave away his selection duties, which freed him up a lot to be able to interact with the team a lot more at training sessions and off the field," Marsh said.

"We all know Michael is an outstanding on-field captain but I think his off-field captaincy has just flourished since he stepped down as a selector.

"You can understand that. It's very difficult for him to operate off the field when he's both captain and a selector.

"Obviously Darren has brought a 'no fear' feeling to the boys. He's just encouraged them to go out and play with freedom.

"And getting Mitchell Johnson back into the team and bowling well has just been an absolutely bonus.

"We had some very, very good, you fit fast bowlers a couple of years ago who have all had injuries and as a consequence it was really nice to have one of the old timers back and bowling like the wind."

Australia captain Michael Clarke with Rod Marsh. Source: Getty Images

Australia has just regained the number one Test ranking after almost five years but it has been done to a significant extent on the back of recalled senior players such as Johnson, Ryan Harris, Brad Haddin and Chris Rogers, who are in their mid-30s.

However Marsh did not believe this was a concern.

"I don't think you can read too much into blokes ages these days," he said. "The game has changed so dramatically from 20 or 30 years ago.

"It's become a profession and these guys work very hard on their fitness etc.

"They play, train or travel just about every day of the year. A 35-year-old today is certainly not like a 35-year-old 20 years ago. It's completely different.

"In an ideal world it would be nice to have a lot of young blokes in the side and we can't wait for that to happen.

"If we had three or four 19 or 20-year-olds making 1200 or 1500 runs in Sheffield Shield cricket that would be fantastic. We would all love that.

"Unfortunately that's not the case but there are certainly opportunities out there for young players to do well and push their case for national selection."

Rod Marsh takes over from John Inverarity as chairman of selectors. Source: AAP

Marsh claimed Australia's biggest challenge was to remain number one in Test and one-day cricket and get there in Twenty20 cricket.

"Unfortunately we may have no say in remaining number one with the way the rankings are worked out because South Africa could well take that spot back without us playing another game (Test)," said Marsh.

"All we have to really worry about is ensuring that the teams we pick play good aggressive cricket and if they play to the best of their ability then the rankings will look after themselves."

Following his retirement from international cricket, Marsh, 66, served as head coach at the national academy in Adelaide and then undertook a similar role in England where he also worked as a national selector until 2005.

"Rod Marsh is the right man to take on this important role having been a key member of the panel since 2011," Sutherland said of the former wicketkeeper-batsman who played 96 Tests between 1970 and 1984.

"His track record speaks for itself. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having been a leading player, coach and most recently a selector.

"Throughout his days as a player he was the absolute embodiment of the Baggy Green cap and to this day is widely respected throughout the game.

"He has a great eye for talent and has strong relationships throughout international cricket."

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He became an Australian selector in 2011 following the sweeping Argus review in the wake of Australia's Ashes debacle.

Inverarity, 70, wanted to continue as a selector but the CA board felt it was time to move on.

"When John Inverarity took over as national selector the Australian Test team was ranked fourth in the world and its on-field performance was well short of where it is today," Sutherland said.

"He leaves his post with Australian teams in a position of strength holding the number one ranking in Test and one-day international cricket.'

Inverarity said the future of Australian cricket was in good hands.

"For some months I have been clearly of the mind that the end of my contract period on 30 June was the right time for me to step down in favour of Rod Marsh to chair the panel. Rod is the ideal person in every respect to take over and I would like to wish he and Darren, along with Trevor Hohns and Mark Waugh the very best in their new roles."

Mark Waugh will have a primary focus on the shorter forms of the game. Source: AAP

Hohns, 60, served as a national selector from 1993-2006, including a decade as chairman, and returned as Queensland chairman of selectors for the past three years. He will now step down from the Queensland panel.

"I took on selection responsibilities with Queensland a couple of years ago and really enjoyed doing it again. During that time I worked closely with Darren Lehmann where we developed a good working relationship," said Hohns.

"So to have the chance to work together again at a national level, along with Rod and Mark will be great. I'm genuinely looking forward to it. I enjoy the role and the responsibilities that go with selection and making a contribution to Australian cricket."

Mark Waugh, 48, will continue as a Big Bash commentator.

"I see it as a real honour to be a selector for Australia. I still love the game and since retiring have remained very interested in the Australian team and its performance.

"I view this as a really good challenge and for me it's a way that I can give back to the game."

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