Melbourne, Aug 12 (IANS): Mel Jones on Friday said she will be stepping down from the Cricket Australia Board at the next CA Annual General Meeting in October. She has decided not to stand for re-election due to her extensive media and other work commitments in Australia and overseas.
Jones joined the board as a Director in December 2019, bringing her substantial experience and expertise in playing, game development, high performance, media and international relations. Apart from this, she is a regular presence in cricket commentary circuit of Australia, England and all over the world.
"It has been an honour to serve for three years on the CA Board but my future work commitments, particularly given that I will be overseas for many months of the year, mean that I will not be able to devote the time required to fully support my fellow Board members after this year."
"Consequently I will not be standing for re-election and will complete my three-year term at the next AGM. I would like to thank the Chairs and Board members, Cricket Australia staff and committee members and wish all those involved in Australian Cricket every success as we embark on an exciting new strategy and build on the game's great foundation for the future."
"I am delighted, of course, to be able to continue my long-standing connection to cricket through my commentary, sporting and business interests and broad range of cricket relationships," said Mel in an official statement.
Mel made her ODI debut in 1997 and went on to play 61 ODIs for Australia, scoring 1028 runs. She was a member of the ODI World Cup winning squads in 1997 and 2005. Mel also represented Australia in five Tests, making 251 runs at an average of 35.85.
Cricket Australia Chair Lachlan Henderson thanked Jones for her service and contribution on the Board. "Mel has been an outstanding member of our Board and her unique perspective and insights have been invaluable as we have set the strategy to ensure the continuing future health of the game."
"Mel has made an enormous contribution to cricket through her playing days and subsequent involvement in coaching, commentary and work in the community, and will continue to do so. We look forward to formally recognising Mel's contribution on the CA Board at the AGM in October."