George Bailey named new chief selector of Australia men’s team

Bailey replaces Trevor Hohns, who stepped down after two successful stints.

Australia’s former captain George Bailey has been named the chairman of the national selection panel, replacing the retiring Trevor Hohns, Cricket Australia announced on Sunday. Trevor Hohns completed two successful stints as chief selector, joining the panel in 1991.

He has presided over the selection of many of Australia's greatest teams, including the world-record-winning Ricky Ponting team, which won 21 successive ODIs. During his tenure, Australia won five consecutive Ashes series and registered a record 16 consecutive Test wins, and clinched back-to-back World Cups in 1999 and 2003.

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"The game has been great to me and I have loved every minute of it, from the good times to the bad. I have been extremely fortunate to be involved with some of the greatest Australian teams of all time and many of the best players to have played the game,” Hohns said.

Meanwhile, Bailey will be responsible for picking the squads for this year's T20 World Cup, the home Ashes series, and away tours to the subcontinent, after joining the panel in February 2020.

"I would like to thank Trevor for his incredible work which has helped shape the success of Australian cricket over a long period, including during my days as a player and captain. In what can be a challenging job Trevor has always been calm, consistent, and approachable.

Similarly to his journey, he has made my transition from player to a selector as smooth as possible. There is a lot I will take from Trevor's style and very much look forward to the journey ahead,” Bailey was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia.

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CA's executive general manager of national teams Ben Oliver mentioned that the search for the third member of the panel has begun to join Bailey and head coach Justin Langer.

“George is a highly respected leader who is now well established on the NSP alongside Justin as the head coach. The third-panel member will add to their combined experience as we look for someone who will bring complementarily," Oliver said.

(PTI inputs)