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Journalism of Courage
PERTH, OCTOBER 4: Geoff Marsh will seek reassurances on match-fixing issues when he meets Indian cricket authorities this month to discuss coaching their National team.
The former Australian team coach will go to India in a fortnight to be interviewed as one of four candidates short-listed to replace Kapil Dev who resigned last month amid vows to clear his name of match-fixing allegations.Marsh on Wednesday said he was approached by Indian cricket officials two months ago.
8220;It caught me by shock at the time and I said I8217;d sit down and have a chat with the Australian Cricket Board and see what it requires,8221; Marsh told ABC Radio.
8220;I got a phone call back last week to say they want to have a chat so in two weeks I8217;ll go over 8230; and see what comes from it but there8217;s a lot of things we8217;ve got to sort out before I agree to go over there and do the job.8221;
Marsh, who coached the Australia team for four years, said he would raise the issues of match-fixing and bookmakers8217; access to the players8217; dressing room with the Indian officials.
8220;That8217;s something I8217;ll be talking to them about 8230; Because that is a problem.8221;
It would be a great challenge to coach a country such as India, Marsh said.8220;It8217;s a different country and they run their cricket a lot differently over there,8221; he said.
8220;Whilst their country is fanatical about the game of cricket, there8217;s 700 million people who all listen and watch cricket over there, and there8217;s a lot of talent over there, and there8217;s a long way to go.8221; If appointed, Marsh said he would have to consider his loyalties when India and Australia met in international matches.
8220;The first Australia tour India is in February and March but I guess it8217;d be a bit like Western Australia playing against the rest,8221; he said.
