Melbourne, Nov 28 (IANS): Cricket Australia (CA) on Wednesday announced the appointment of a former first-grade batsman and president of Premier Cricket side North Melbourne, Earl Eddings as its new Chairman.

David Peever resigned from the position following the publication of the Longstaff Review, and Eddings, recently elected the deputy chair, has been promoted.

Eddings became a CA Director in 2008 and has been an active member of the Audit and Risk, and People and Culture Committees as well as an alternative Director for the past 18 months at International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings.

His current term is scheduled to run till the CA's Annual General Meeting in 2019.

"Cricket is only what it is in Australia because of the commitment of our people, the fans and the thousands of volunteers around the country. I am honoured to serve in this position and am committed to making cricket stronger and a game that we can all be proud of," Eddings said in a statement.

"It's important that, along with our owners, the State and Territory Associations, the players and the Australian Cricketers' Association, that we work harder than ever before to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds across the country and continue to strengthen cricket's privileged position as Australia's favourite summer pastime, whether you are a spectator, player or volunteer," he added.

Eddings will be supported by Directors Jacquie Hey, John Harnden AM, Michelle Tredenick, Michael Kasprowicz, and recent additions Paul Green and Dr Lachlan Henderson.