London, May 13 -- Former Australia batter Marcus North has been appointed as England Men's new national selector, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Wednesday, ending a lengthy search to replace outgoing selector Luke Wright.

North, currently serving as director of cricket at Durham County Cricket Club, will officially take over the role ahead of England's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground beginning on June 4.

The 46-year-old former Australian left-handed batter played 21 Tests and two One-Day Internationals for Australia, scoring five Test centuries, including two during the 2009 Ashes series against England.

North has been part of the county circuit for several years and has led Durham's cric...