Melbourne: Former batsman Wally Edwards was elevated to the post of vice-president in Cricket Australia, raising the possibility of an ex-Test player heading CA for the first time since the legendary Donald Bradman.
Bradman was the last Test player to head CA when he served two terms - from 1960-63 and 1969-72. And 38 years later, Edwards has become the "most immediate contender for the post of the chairman" when incumbent Jack Clarke's tenure comes to en end.
The 60-year-old has been serving the Board as a Director since 1996. He also presides over the Audit and International Relations Committees and is also a member of the International Finance Review Working Group.
"It is a great honour to be elected Cricket Australia's deputy chairman," he said.
Clarke also welcomed Edwards into the Board. "Wally has been a dedicated servant of the game, firstly as a player and now administrator and I look forward to working closely with him to ensure the continued success of cricket in this country," he said in a statement.
A left-hand opener, Edwards played for Australia in the Ashes series in 1974-75 against England.
He also played 25 matches for Western Australia from 1973 to 1978.
"I am excited at the prospect of working with current chairman Jack Clarke and the Cricket Australia Board as Australian cricket strives to continue is recent success and help to ensure cricket retains its position as Australia's favourite sport," Edwards said.