Graham Manou to replace Greg Chappell as head coach of Australia

Canberra: Former Australia wicket-keeper Graham Manou will succeed Greg Chappell as the new national talent manager, Cricket Australia confirmed on Thursday. Chappell represented Australia in 87 Tests and 74 one-day internationals, scoring 9,441 runs, and also led the side in 97 matches. 

He was appointed CA's national talent manager in 2011 and was also named on the selection panel, initially in an interim capacity before the position was made permanent in November 2016. He will bid goodbye to both on September 30, Cricket Australia's said in a statement. 

"Greg has had a profound and positive impact on cricket for generations. He was one of the finest players in the history of international cricket. Additionally, as a captain, coach, selector, and mentor, Greg has been a true pioneer and innovator,'' said Kevin Roberts, the CEO of Cricket Australia. 

"His passion and commitment to the game are clear to anyone who has interacted with him and Australian cricket is all the stronger for his involvement. We wish him the very best in retirement and thank him for his exemplary service, '' he added. After Chappell's retirement, Graham Manou, who has been serving as Australia's national pathway manager for the last three years, will continue to hold that role, combining his duties with his new role as the national talent manager. 

Chappell will be leaving the role on the selection panel vacant, which presently consists of Chappell, chair Trevor Hohns and coach Justin Langer.

The board is set to announce his replacement in due course, with CA chief executive Kevin Roberts indicating recently that they could consider changing the make-up of the committee to reflect a focus on the T20 game as Australia will host the ICC Men's World T20 tournament from October next year. (UNI)