Former Australia batter and Durham director of cricket expected to replace Luke Wright in key ECB role

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England are poised to appoint former Australia cricketer Marcus North as the new men’s national selector, with an official confirmation expected before the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

North, currently serving as director of cricket at Durham County Cricket Club, is understood to have emerged as the leading candidate after final interviews for the position took place earlier this week. The 46-year-old will reportedly replace Luke Wright, who stepped down following England’s disappointing 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year.

The appointment marks a historic moment for English cricket, as North is set to become the first non-Englishman to oversee the selection of England’s men’s teams. His extensive experience in county cricket administration and player development is believed to have played a major role in the ECB’s decision.

North enjoyed a successful playing career that included 24 appearances for Australia men’s national cricket team, featuring in seven Ashes Tests across the 2009 and 2010-11 series. After retiring from professional cricket in 2014, he transitioned into administration and joined Durham in 2018, helping rebuild the club after its financial struggles and relegation in 2016.

Reports suggest North beat former England fast bowlers Steven Finn and Darren Gough to secure the high-profile role. Alongside overseeing Durham’s men’s side, North has also managed the club’s women’s cricket programme since the start of 2025.

A close working relationship with England Test captain Ben Stokes is another factor believed to have strengthened North’s candidacy. The pair previously worked together at Northern Superchargers, where North served as director of cricket. During that period, he appointed Harry Brook as captain and Andrew Flintoff as head coach.

As national selector, North is expected to hold greater authority than his predecessor, with responsibilities likely to mirror those previously handled by former selector Ed Smith. His role will include involvement in England squad selection, Lions squads, scouting operations, and collaboration with the ECB’s analytics and player identification departments.

North’s deep understanding of the English domestic structure is also expected to support managing director Rob Key in rebuilding stronger relationships with county cricket following England’s recent struggles overseas.

Having represented counties including Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Hampshire County Cricket Club and Derbyshire County Cricket Club during his playing career, North possesses extensive knowledge of the county system and emerging talent pathways.

Young Durham batters Ben McKinney and Emilio Gay are among the players tipped to benefit from North’s arrival, with both strongly considered for maiden England Test call-ups this summer.

The upcoming England squad selection meeting for the New Zealand Test series is expected to include North alongside Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, Rob Key, Flintoff, performance director Ed Barney and player identification lead David Court. England’s squad announcement is scheduled for the week beginning May 18, ahead of a training camp in Loughborough on May 25.

North’s appointment could also strengthen his prospects for future senior roles within the ECB structure. He was previously shortlisted for the managing director role in 2022 before Key ultimately secured the position.