Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association "are set to shelve mediation plans" in favor of an "unprecedented peacemaking meeting" between the boards of both organizations, according to Tom Morris of FOX SPORTS. Released two weeks ago, Simon Longstaff's "damning" cultural review recommended CA and the ACA meet within 30 days to "establish a constructive working relationship." It "was recommended the assistance of a mediator would be required," but both organizations, in a "significant act of goodwill," are reportedly committed to "only using a mediator if absolutely necessary." Because of the logistical difficulties in organizing an extraordinary conference with 14 working people in attendance, the meeting "is likely to take place next week rather than this week." CA's board is currently headed by interim Chair Earl Eddings, while the ACA chair is former Australian cricketer Greg Dyer (FOX SPORTS, 11/12).
The CA board is expected to talk to former cricketer Glenn McGrath about his availability.GETTY IMAGES
SURPRISE CHOICE?: In Sydney, Robert Craddock reported former cricketer Glenn McGrath "has been discussed as a potential surprise choice for the Cricket Australia board." The resignation of former captain Mark Taylor "has left a gap for a player to join Michael Kasprowicz, who remains the sole former Australian player on the board." The board has discussed McGrath and plans to "sound him out about his availability." The "slight catch is the concern over board members who have media commitments." McGrath is contracted to Macquarie radio network, which will broadcast the cricket summer, "though these responsibilities are not likely to impede any approach" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 11/13).
NOT JUST YET: In Sydney, Peter Lalor reported CA's board "resolved to respond to the call to lift the bans on Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft by next week," but all indications are that it is "not ready" to bring the trio back to int'l cricket early. The ACA "made a submission to the board at the start of the month." While there is a push, backed by Ian Healy, to get Warner and Smith back playing Sheffield Shield cricket after Christmas, "there seems little hope" they will play test cricket before March 29 when their term ends. For his part, Warner said that he was "resigned to seeing out his penalty." He said, "I'm sitting here 12 months on the sideline, that's my take on it" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 11/13).
