Is this man qualified to run world cricket?

The Kiwis are sputting chups this morning about John Howard being put forward for the spot of Deputy President of the International Cricket Council, with the likelihood he’ll take over the top job in 2012.

Will he keep his eye on the ball?Will he keep his eye on the ball?

The New Zealand Herald this morning lamented: “Cricket: ‘Fan’ with no cricket experience gets top job.” The paper wondered what “Australian heavying” went on behind closed doors to secure Howard over NZC Chairman Sir John Anderson.

On AM this morning the former Prime Minister, now 70, mounted an understated defense of his credentials for the role.

“I don’t know that I have a lack of background in the game,” he said. “I don’t come to the game as having been a champion player or a previous administrator, but there aren’t too many champion players and I think most people know what I’ve been doing with my spare time up until now.”

I would have thought 12 years of diplomatic experience would trump a great batting average when picking someone to steer cricket through its current dramas.

Between terror threats against players, barnies over who makes what cash out of the game and constant battles over coverage and access rights, being ICC President won’t be all cucumber sandwiches in the Members’ stand.

It hardly matters that Howard’s no Don Bradman does it?