Mark Taylor quits as CA director, says last 18 months left him exhausted

Australian cricket is in the headlines almost every day now, but for not-so-happy reasons. The cricketing nation, which was invincible even a few years back and won their fifth World Cup title in the 50-over format in 2015, is witnessing disappointing outcomes both on and off the field of late. One specific blow has been the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa earlier this year which has left the cricketing powerhouse in a disarray.

On Monday, former captain Mark Taylor stepped down as the director of Cricket Australia (CA), saying he “lost the energy” to continue in the post following an independent review by Ethics Centre, Sydney, that condemned an arrogant culture prevailing at CA over the ball-tampering scandal. With his resignation, 54-year-old Taylor became the latest name to be added to list of officials who quit in the wake of the scandal, including chief executive James Sutherland and chairman David Peever.

Two of Australia’s top players – Steve Smith and David Warner – alongwith newcomer Cameron Bancroft were handed ban over the incident while the then coach Darren Lehmann also decided to exit. The mess has also affected Australia’s performance on the field as they have lost their last seven ODIs. They were humbled by Pakistan during their recent UAE tour as well.

Taylor, who had taken over from Australia’s legendary captain Allan Border in the early 1990s and continued to uphold the legacy, was associated with the CA board for 13 years and said the developments over the last 18 months took a toll on him.

Don’t think can give more

“I’ve just got to the end. Particularly over the last 18 months, there’s been a lot in this role as a director of Cricket Australia and it’s taken its toll on me,” Taylor was quoted as saying by The Australian. “I don’t think I can give any more. I’ve lost the energy and I think it’s time for someone else to step up and fill my shoes.”

It was only last week that Taylor’s name came up as a potential successor to Peever, especially in the wake of the independent review report but the former left-hand batsman ruled himself out, citing a conflict of interest since he recently signed a new contract with Channel Nine which has the rights to the upcoming World Cup and the Ashes – both scheduled in England next year.

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