Border quit being caught in crossfire of battle of beers: Reports

Sydney, Oct 11 (UNI) Former Test captain Allan Border's resignation from Australia's National Selection Panel (NSP) has more to do with the battle of beers than his stated ''extensive business commitments'', according to reports.

Sydney Morning Herald reported that Border's move stemmed from a clash between his personal sponsor and that of Cricket Australia.

It said the row erupted over the advertising tactics of Border's sponsor XXXX Gold, which its rival and Cricket Australia (CA) sponsors Fosters believe falls under the banner of ambush marketing.

Border has been signed up by Castlemaine XXXX Gold for their tri-nation beach cricket tournament in January involving Australia, England and the West Indies.

He has been used as the promotional face of the event -- appearing in countless television advertisements -- a situation that was not well received by Foster's who support Cricket Australia with grass-roots investment.

The makers of the 'Amber Nectar' are thought to have complained to the governing body about such a prominent figure in their organisation openly endorsing a rival brand and CA officials duly raised the issue with Border.

However, Border refused that the latest beer war had not prompted his surprise exit from the four-man panel.

''That is my private commercial life . . . it had nothing to do with this decision.

''I just had so much on my plate I felt I couldn't do it justice because I wouldn't have been able to do it 100 per cent. Something had to go,'' Border, who is also CA Board member, was quoted as saying by Herald Sun.

Border said he was ''absolutely committed'' about continuing his board work which includes a role on a sub-committee formed to find Australia's next coach to replace John Buchanan who quits after the World Cup in the Caribbean next year.

Following an initial stint as a selector between 1998 and 2005, the veteran of 156 Tests and 273 one-dayers returned this June to replace the departing Trevor Hohns as national selector.

His resignation means there are just three men left on the panel -- Andrew Hilditch, David Boon and Merv Hughes -- although a CA board meeting on Friday is expected to discuss a replacement, with former Australia spinner Ray Bright and ex-Surrey coach Steve Rixon among contenders.

The upheaval could not have come at a worse time for Australia as their build-up to the five-Test Ashes showdown against England is in grave danger of unravelling.

A combination of in-fighting, external criticism, doubts about the exact make-up and age profile of the team and this abrupt decision by Border have left the world champions looking unexpectedly vulnerable.

Over the next year, the selection panel must name squads for the Ashes and World Cup, then chart a new course for the team when several veterans are expected to retire.

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