Cricket news 2026: England set to unveil Marcus North as new selector, Ashes fallout, first Test vs New Zealand, video
England has turned to an Australian in hopes of reviving its Test team, with the ECB set to appoint Marcus North as the new men’s national selector.
As first reported by The Telegraph, North has beaten out the likes of former England fast bowlers Steven Finn and Darren Gough for the gig, with an official announcement expected in the coming days. The 46-year-old will replace Luke Wright, who stepped down from the role following the disastrous Ashes series due to personal reasons.
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North, who played 21 Tests for Australia from 2009-2010, has served as Durham’s director of cricket since 2018, where he has worked alongside England Test captain Ben Stokes. He also spent three seasons as the Northern Superchargers’ director of cricket.
He has lived in England’s north-east for over two decades, while four years ago he interviewed for the role of ECB’s managing director of men’s cricket, which ultimately went to Rob Key.
While former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh served as an England selector from 2003-2005, North is set to become the first foreigner in charge of picking the nation’s men’s cricket team. He is expected to be joined by Andrew Flintoff, Ed Barney and David Court on the selection panel, along with head coach Brendon McCullum and Key.
While North is reportedly yet to put pen to paper, his first task could be helping England choose its squad for the Test series opener against New Zealand, which commences at Lord’s on June 4.
Since McCullum took charge of the Test side in 2022, England has repeatedly been accused of ignoring proven performers in the County Championship, something North could help rectify. Opener Zak Crawley is at risk of losing his spot in the Test, opening the door for the likes of Durham opener Emilio Gay and young wicketkeeper James Rew.
