Morris outlines intentions

Hugh Morris has set his sights on regaining the Ashes in 2009

Hugh Morris’ priority as managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board will be to push through the recommendations of the Schofield Review and turn England into global force.

The former Glamorgan and England opener is one of only two appointments made in the six months since the inquiry into a disappointing winter, which saw the 5-0 Ashes defeat followed by another failed World Cup challenge.

As the driving force inside the ECB, Morris knows his main objective is to take steps to meet the stated aim of winning the Ashes back in 2009 and an ICC global event within the next four years.

His first task will be to make further appointments to follow his own and that of Mike Gatting, who as head of English partnerships will attempt to bridge the gap between the recreational and county game.

Positions as national selector, county selector, bowling coach, fielding coach and head of the National Academy are yet to be filled.

“I see it as a major priority for early in the new year to go through a recruitment process to make sure we have the staff in position from the beginning of 2008,” said Morris.

Mike Gatting will concentrate on working with the counties

“We have two goals which are clearly very challenging. We’ve won the Ashes once in 18 years and in 32 years of trying we haven’t won an ICC global event, so they are serious challenges, but we’re up for that challenge.

“My role essentially is to ensure we have the right people in posts and we have the right policies and manage that process.”

With that in mind, Morris is due to meet current chairman of selectors David Graveney and selector Geoff Miller - on his return to England to discuss the future.

“I’ll be sitting down with the national selector and with (coach) Peter (Moores) to make sure we have a selection policy in place and monitor that,” he explained.

“Selection policy will be absolutely critical to the goals of trying to regain the Ashes and trying to win an ICC global event.

“I won’t be telling the selectors who to select but I am keen to ensure we have a broad selection policy, and it is up to the selectors then to select the team within that policy.”