England are set to appoint former Australia international Marcus North as their national selector.
Final interviews reportedly took place this week, with North picked to succeed Luke Wright in a significant appointment from the ECB following England's 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia.
If the decision is finalised, North, who made 21 Test appearances for Australia, would become the first foreigner ever placed in charge of selecting the England men's national team.
The 45-year-old has been Durham's director of cricket since 2018 after previously playing for the county during his first-class career. That means he has been working alongside England Test captain Ben Stokes, who plays his country cricket for Durham.
In his role as selector, North would work with head coach Brendon McCullum, director of cricket Rob Key, Stokes, limited-overs captain Harry Brook, performance director Ed Barney and head of player identification David Court on selection.
It is reported that 80 candidates submitted applications for the job. In the brief, the ECB said they were looking for "significant professional experience and intimate knowledge of international and first-class cricket, including knowledge of emerging players and county network".
Wright held the role from November 2022 until February, citing wanting to spend more time with his young family for his departure.
"It has been a true honour and privilege to serve as an England men's selector over the past three years," Wright said. "I have fully immersed myself in the role and am incredibly proud of the players we have brought through.
"The role demands significant travel and time away from home and with a young family the time feels right to pass the baton on to the next person."
Your Site News' James Cole:
Having worked as Durham's director of cricket since 2018, Marcus North has two key attributes: a depth of knowledge of the county game and a strong relationship with England captain Ben Stokes.
County players and their coaches have grown frustrated by England's selection policy under Brendon McCullum, often ignoring county form in favour of players felt to have the right attributes for the pressure cauldron of Test cricket.
England director of men's cricket, Rob Key, has promised more engagement with the counties and better recognition for proven performers at that level.
North's knowledge and relationships at the counties will hopefully level the playing field, provide greater transparency and a more objective approach to selection.
