Friday 30 July 2010

Queensland Cricket has appointed Rod Rice to the State Selection panel to replace Scott Prestwidge.

Prestwidge informed QC that he would step down from the role after six years to concentrate on his financial planning business.

Rice, who served for 11 years on the State panel in the 1990s and early 2000s, joins Chairman Ray Phillips and Ken Dixon as the three State selectors.

QC Chief Executive Officer Graham Dixon congratulated Prestwidge on his commitment to the Bulls and Queensland Cricket since joining the panel in 2004-05.

“We are very grateful to Scott, who gave up a lot of his valuable time to fill a vital role that is often a thankless one,’’ he said.

“But it is also very rewarding to know that Rod Rice is pleased to be back on the panel after a break of several years. His experience will stand us in good stead this year,’’ Dixon said.

Rice, who was Chairman of selectors in 1999-2000 when the Bulls won the Pura Cup, last served on the panel in 2000.

Originally from Townsville, he represented Country Colts as a wicket-keeper against Metropolitan Colts before moving to Brisbane.

He played 11 years of first grade in Brisbane with Souths and Sandgate-Redcliffe.

A successful businessman, he has also served on several sub-committees of Queensland Cricket

The State umpires selection panel has also been finalized with former Test and ODI umpire Peter Parker joining the selection committee.

Parker joins Col Timmins, Jim Torpy and Michael Jay on the group.

The women’s selection panel remains unchanged for 2010-11, with chairman Paul Pink joined by Glenda Hall and Kay Toshach.