While Cricket Australia's decision to trial split innings one-day domestic matches next summer was the major point of discussion at a recent board meeting, another key decision went unnoticed.

Wally Edwards, 60, who played three Tests as an opening batsman against England in 1974-75, became vice-chairman, meaning he is all but certain to succeed the rather reclusive Jack Clarke in about 18 months.

CA only nominates a deputy when change is on the horizon, although there soon could be a push to have a permanent deputy, following the practice of most businesses.

Edwards' credentials cannot be questioned. Along with his Sheffield Shield experience from 1973-78, the West Australian is the longest serving CA director, having sat on the board since 1996. Outside of cricket, he is a civil engineer and owner of Holman Industries, a Perth-based irrigation products manager.

While Edwards' reputation nationally and internationally within cricketing circles is impeccable, it was disappointing to learn former Test captain Mark Taylor was not even a nominee for the vice-chairman role.

Taylor, in some circles, has long been regarded as a possible leader, with a view to one-day perhaps even running world cricket as ICC president.

Certainly, a Taylor nomination - should it ever happen - wouldn't encounter the angst surrounding John Howard's bid to become ICC deputy president.

Taylor, after all, was more than just a captain during his years in charge between 1994-98. He was as much a statesman as cricketer, and the way he handled the board, executive and players during the tumultuous 1997-98 summer when the players threatened to strike over pay proved that to many.

Even during his infamous run of outs during that period, a form slump that would have destroyed many a player, Taylor maintained his nerve and composure when dealing with the barrage of criticism.

Indeed, it's understood then ACB chief executive Malcolm Speed wanted Taylor to lead the side on the 1999 West Indies tour, even though the man himself had again been struggling for runs and had already indicated he would retire after the preceding 1998-99 home Ashes series.

It was felt at the time that Steve Waugh wasn't as politically astute to hold the top role. Waugh, as we all know, would morph into a fine statesman.

Taylor has strong support within CA ranks but it's unlikely he will assume greater responsibility in the near future because of his commitments in the Channel Nine commentary box.

"He can't do it while he still is doing the Channel Nine stuff," a CA source said.

"He has a severe conflict. I don't think he would want to at this point because he would have to give up too much. He is still a relatively young person who still needs to work.

‘‘He wouldn't give up the Channel Nine stuff now but who knows in the future?"

It's understood Edwards' elevation had most, if not all, of the support of the CA board.

"He is a successful businessman, he is committed to Australian cricket," the CA source said.

‘‘He certainly has the respect of the states the international people that know Wally respect him greatly. He'll do a great job.

‘‘He didn't play a lot of Test cricket but he knows what it's like at the highest level.''

A major focus now for Clarke and chief executive James Sutherland will be to lobby for international support for Howard to become ICC deputy president at an ICC executive board meeting later this month.

If the numbers go his way, Howard would have an unopposed path to the presidency in 2012.

Howard, who has been nominated by Australia and New Zealand, needs seven out of 10 votes on the ICC executive to win approval.

He has so far run into opposition from South Africa and Zimbabwe over his criticism of the Mugabe regime during his time as Australian Prime Minister, while Sri Lanka has been another not to support him.

India is said to be ambivalent, which gives Australia hope as its decision will be crucial, for Pakistan, the West Indies and Bangladesh will likely follow the lead of the sport's most powerful nation.

Importantly, India's Sharad Pawar, who is the current ICC vice-president and is set to become president, has recently reaffirmed his support for a process which has a president and vice-president selected on a rotating basis of regions.

Australia and New Zealand are first in the rotation, with Howard their joint nominee, although only after great consternation.

An ICC source said it was still too early to determine whether Howard would be successful but warned of the potential consequences if his bid was repelled.

"It's a real challenge for the ICC because if they don't support this, they breach their constitution," he said.

"The constitution says the deputy president will be determined by rotation, that rotation means it is the turn of Australia and New Zealand.

‘‘Australia and New Zealand have nominated John Howard.

"To reject him is to reject the constitution and that would be a disaster for the ICC."