Former Aussie batter North 'tremendously honoured' to serve as England selector

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/north-marcus/W4LCaX01/"]North[/a], the outgoing director of cricket at English [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/durham/OSM5vpR2/"]county Durham[/a], now has a larger brief and potentially greater influence than [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/wright-luke/O0HM4zw0/"]Luke Wright[/a], who stepped down from the role earlier this year.[/p][p]The 46-year-old North, also an occasional off-spinner in his playing days, saw off competition for the post from former [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/england/UJC5mtAU/"]England[/a] internationals [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/finn-steven/CxWwgA6Q/"]Steven Finn[/a], Darren Gough and Nick Knight.[/p][p]His close links to the county game undoubtedly bolstered his case, with North in post at Durham -- the club of England captain [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/stokes-ben/bqDhqGMG/"]Ben Stokes[/a] -- for eight years.[/p][p]He now joins a panel that includes Stokes, white-ball skipper [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/brook-harry/MefSexXu/"]Harry Brook[/a] and managing director Rob Key as well as England performance chiefs.[/p][p]"I[b]t is a tremendous honour to be entrusted with a role of such responsibility and I am excited to contribute to the continued development of the England men’s teams,[/b]" said North.[/p][p]"Having spent the past several years working closely within the county game, I have seen first-hand the strength and depth of talent across the domestic system.[/p][p]"[b]I'm looking forward to working closely with the counties in identifying, supporting and selecting players who can thrive at international level.[/b]"[/p][p]North, now in line to help select a side to play his native Australia during next year's Ashes series in England, added: "The opportunity to help shape the future of England men's teams is one I'm incredibly passionate about."[/p][p]North's appointment was announced on the same day England named their squad for next month's first Test against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/new-zealand/G6PWlrQB/"]New Zealand[/a] at Lord's, with Key saying: "[b]Marcus stood out through his knowledge of the domestic game, his experience across different environments and the relationships he has built throughout county cricket over a long period of time.[/b][/p][p]"[b]Marcus also brings international pedigree from his time playing for Australia, and we believe his experience and understanding of the player pathway and high performance environment will be a real asset.[/b]"[/p]