Cricket: Rixon eyes Australian job

By Richard Boock

Steve Rixon's plans for a quiet summer at home have just been put on hold.

The New Zealand cricket coach, who only completed his contract this week and had planned to spend more time with his family in Sydney, is now reassessing his options following the shock resignation of his Australian counterpart Geoff Marsh yesterday.

Rixon admitted from London last night that the sudden availability of the Australian job was food for thought. "It has always been something I thought I'd like to do and could do well. It now has to become a consideration," he said.

"My business interests are my major priority at this point. The Australian job would be something that would need a lot of consideration. Right now I just need a holiday because I'm fairly tired after a long campaign."

Just a month after being reappointed for another two-year term, Marsh - who guided Australia to their World Cup triumph in June - announced his intention to stand down after the current tour of Sri Lanka, citing family reasons for his decision.

The former Australian opening batsman will leave the team when the Sri Lanka tour ends on October 4, with the Australian Cricket Board to appoint an interim coach for the tour of Zimbabwe, which starts on October 6.

Rixon, who ended his three-year term as coach of New Zealand with a 2-1 series win in England, was not expected to pursue another coaching position, but could possibly be persuaded to change his mind for the Australian job.

ACB spokesman Brendan McLellan said Rixon was a potential candidate along with anyone else who wanted to apply.

"We'd rule no-one in or out," said McLellan. "The process to find a replacement has just started. There are a couple of different ways to go about it and we'll be making a decision in that regard in the next day or so."

Prior to being appointed New Zealand coach in 1996, Rixon had indicated his desire for the Australian job, but the ACB opted for Marsh to replace Bobby Simpson.

Rixon has long stated that he wanted to spend more time with his wife and family at the end of his New Zealand stint, as well as paying more attention to the family leisurewear business.

The early favourites to replace Marsh are Queensland boss John Buchanan, and selector and former test captain Allan Border.

Marsh leaves with the Australian side on a high after the World Cup success, a series win in the West Indies, the successful defence of the Ashes, and a win in Pakistan.

He said his decision was a difficult one but came down to the priority he placed on his family after 14 years with the national team as a player and coach.