The Victorian Cricket Association last night elected former Victorian captain Ray Bright to its state selection panel for the 2002/03 cricket season. Also joining Bright on the panel is former South Melbourne and Essendon batsman, John MacWhirter.

Bright and MacWhirter replace former Chairman of Selectors, Shaun Graf and Neil Buszard. Michael O'Sullivan was re-elected to his position on the panel.

VCA Chief Executive Officer, Ken Jacobs said the election was part of an annual process.

"Every year at the April delegates meeting we hold an election for all positions on the state selection panel and I would therefore like to congratulate Ray and John on their election to the panel. They are both highly regarded in Victorian cricket circles and have contributed an enormous amount to the game in this state".

Jacobs also paid tribute to the service of Graf and Buszard in their capacity as state selectors.

"Both Shaun Graf and Neil Buszard have made outstanding contributions to the state selection panel over many years. On behalf of the VCA, I would like to thank them for their commitment and expertise in nurturing the young cricketing talent in Victoria during that time".

Jacobs also stated that the change in the selection panel would in no way affect Shaun Graf's role as VCA General Manager, Cricket Operations.

Details:

Ray Bright: 25 Test Matches and 11 One-Day Internationals for Australia. 114 Domestic First-Class matches for Victoria, 184 First-Class matches in total between 1972-1988.

John MacWhirter: Played Premier Cricket with South Melbourne (112 matches) and Essendon (21) between 1966-1978.

© 2002 Victorian Cricket Association