Marsh to discuss Indian coach short-listing
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 said Wednesday he was approached by Indian cricket officials two months ago. "It caught me by shock at the time and I said I'd sit down and have a chat with the (Australian Cricket) Board and see what it requires," March told ABC radio.
"I got a phone call back last week to say they want to have a chat, so in two weeks I'll go over ... and see what comes from it (but) there's a lot of things we've got to sort out before I agree to go over there and do the job."
The problem of match-fixing has become a major issue in international cricket in the wake of the Hansie Cronje affair and allegations involving the Indian and Pakistan teams -- all stemming from the influence of illegal Indian bookmakers.
Marsh, who coached the Australia team for four years, said he would raise the issues of match-fixing and bookmakers' access to the players' dressing room with the Indian officials.
"That's something I'll be talking to them about ... because that is a problem."
It would be a great challenge to coach a country such as India, Marsh said.
"It's a different country and they run their cricket a lot differently over there," he said.
"Whilst their country is fanatical about the game of cricket, there's 700 million people (who) all listen and watch cricket over there, and there's a lot of talent over there, and there's a long way to go."
If appointed, Marsh said he would have to consider his loyalties when India and Australia meet in international matches.
"The first Australia tour of India (is) in February and March... but I guess it'd be a bit like Western Australia playing against the rest," he said.
If he gets the job, Marsh said he would return to Australia in any lengthy spells between series.
Marsh is weighing up the Indian position despite stepping aside as Australian coach last year because he wanted to spend more time with his family.
"I think my family know that cricket's been my life and when these opportunities come up you've got to grab them at my age.
"In 10 years' time there'll be another group of coaches come through."
The other candidates for the Indian job are former Australian Test batsman Dean Jones, former West Indian fast bowler Andy Roberts and former New Zealand opening batsman John Wright.
Mail Cricket Editor
