Matthews Leaves her Role at Cricket Australia
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October 6, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Former star Christina Matthews is to step down as the Chair of Selectors on the Women’s National Selection Panel (WSNP).
The former wicket-keeper made 20 Test and 47 One Day International (ODI) appearances for her country and Cricket Australia (CA) have confirmed she will now step down to focus on her work in commercial operations and communications for Cricket New South Wales.
Her international cricket career spanned 11 years between 1984 and 1995 and she joined the WSNP in 2005 as the successor to Margaret Jennings.
During the last two years of her stewardship, Australia have returned to the top of international women’s cricket; taking the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 title and recapturing The Ashes from the grasp of England back in January.
“I am grateful to Cricket Australia for the opportunity to have been part of the WNSP,” she said. “I have enjoyed my time as a selector and am particularly proud of the team’s victory at the ICC World Twenty20 event last year.
“During my time as a selector I have received great support from my fellow panel members and I wish them and the team all the best in the future as I believe we have developed a platform for great success going forward.”
CA Chairman Jack Clarke thanked her for all her hard work at the organisation, saying: “Chris has been an outstanding servant of the game for a long period of time and has been an absolute champion for women’s cricket. Her leadership of the WNSP over the past few years has been first-class and she leaves the role with [Australia] returning to top form and with the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 and 2013 ICC Women’s World Cup well and truly in their sights.
“We congratulate Chris on her contribution to Australian cricket and wish her well in her future endeavours.”
Julie Savage will act as Chair of the WNSP while the process for a permanent replacement is completed.
By Leigh Gruffydd Sanders
[Image courtesy of paddynapper]
