Mark Taylor may replace Howard as ICC vice-presidential candidate

Sydney, July 3(ANI): As the dust settles on the ICC's rejection of John Howard as its next vice-president, it is believed that Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket may name former Australian captain Mark Taylor as an alternative candidate to the former Australian Prime Minister.

A member of the ICC's cricket committee and CA's board, Taylor is considered an engaging personality by his backers, and carries none of the political baggage that counted so heavily against Howard.

Commenting on the issue, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said: "Mark Taylor is an outstanding individual, but I think it's too premature to be talking potential candidates at this stage."

"I think what we all need is to take some time to let the dust settle and reconvene at our respective board meetings," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Vaughan, as saying.

However, it is also likely that the prospect of surrendering many of his commentary and commercial commitments, could convince Taylor against standing for the vice-presidency.

Earlier, rejecting Howard's candidacy after Wednesday's executive meeting in Singapore, the ICC had said that " the nomination did not have sufficient support within the ICC Board".

Howard required the support of at least seven of the 10 Test-playing countries to earn the job, but seven rejected his candidacy.

The ICC has invited Australia and New Zealand to nominate a new candidate by the end of August. (ANI)