LONDON: Former opening batsman Andrew Strauss will no longer be the director of England Cricket as he has put in his resignation papers with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after 3 and a half years at the helm.
Ex-England coach and Zimbabwe batsman, Andy Flower had taken Strauss’ place in the last four months as the latter had spent time away from the job due to his wife Ruth’s deteriorating state of health. Flower will continue in an interim capacity until December while Strauss will be assisting ECB CEO Tom Harrison in the meanwhile to search for his full-time successor, who is expected to be confirmed by early 2019.
“After three and a half incredible years with the ECB, I have taken the difficult decision to step down from my role as Director of England Cricket,” Strauss said.
“Next year is potentially the most important the game has had in this country, with the World Cup on home soil and a home Ashes series, and we have an incredible opportunity to do something special. It is vital that the Director of Cricket can give consistent guidance and support to England Cricket through this period.
“Taking time out this summer to support my wife and kids, as Ruth goes through treatment for cancer, has given me the chance to fully consider what’s right for England and what’s needed at home. The role in cricket requires total focus and commitment to deliver the best results, yet right now I need far more flexibility than could ever be possible in my position in order to support my family.
“I will not be leaving the game completely – initially helping Tom to shape the role for my successor, then supporting a range of other ECB projects – but it’s important to see someone else in place for a crucial summer in 2019. “It has been hugely motivating and enjoyable to be working for the ECB and England Cricket.
“Before taking on this incredible role, I had little appreciation of all the selfless work that goes on across the ECB and throughout domestic cricket to ensure we have winning England teams and that the game, as a whole, keeps growing.” he added.
ECB CEO Tom Harrison said: “I know that I speak for everyone at the ECB when I say that we’re very sad to see Andrew step down from the role and we all wish him and his family the very best.
“He deserves huge respect for the way he has managed his role, fully supported Ruth and their boys and calmly considered this decision. And it’s hard to overestimate his contribution since joining us in May 2015.
“He is an exceptional talent and it is easy to see how he has made a success of each step in his career – moving from dressing room, to captaincy, to commentary, to a key role in the governing body – and all the while being the most popular of colleagues.
“Andrew has brought enormous credibility, measured thinking, strong leadership and exceptional insight and we have been extremely fortunate to have worked so closely with him for the last three and a half years. He has improved the ways we work and set the direction for the men’s Test, One-Day and T20 teams.
“But whilst Andrew leaves the post he is not lost to the ECB. He is uniquely placed to help us define the role and help recruit the right person to build on his exceptional work.”
“There is a range of factors that influence progress and Andrew has led significant steps in selection, player ID, the player pathway, innovation and coach development; some well documented already and others that reveal their full value with time.
“Andrew has also made a full and important contribution to building the wider strategy for the game with a deep understanding of the importance of driving participation, especially with girls and boys of all backgrounds.” Harrison signed off.
