Giles To Succeed Strauss As Md Of England Men’s Cricket

Former England International cricketer Ashley Giles has been appointed ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket.

Giles, currently Sport Director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, rejoins the England set-up four and half years after he was dismissed as coach of the one-day team.

The 45-year-old replaces his former teammate Andrew Strauss, who stepped down from the role in October and will officially start in January ahead of England’s tour of the Caribbean.

Giles played 54 Tests and 62 ODIs for England between 1997 and 2006 and was appointed following a month-long recruitment process led by ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison.

In his new position with the England and Wales Cricket Board, Giles will be responsible for the long-term strategy of the England men’s cricket teams and the performance pathways leading into the international teams.

Giles a national team selector between 2008 and 2014, will also be responsible for developing the right coaching and management structure to support it.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity and excited about working with some talented people,” Giles said on his appointment.

“The legacy left by Andrew Strauss has put the performance programme in a stable place. It is fundamental that I facilitate the great work currently being carried out, meet our objectives and help our sport achieve great things in the coming years both domestically and internationally.

“I believe it is important for the game to have a strong international setup, which is showing great promise in what will be a significant year for our red and white ball teams leading into the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this summer and The Ashes. The next 12 months could transform the game like no other time in recent memory.”

Commenting on the addition, Harrison, added: “Ashley was the standout candidate amongst a very strong field. He will bring a fresh perspective to the role and build on the excellent work carried out by Andrew Strauss over the past three and a half years.

“He has a tremendous passion for England cricket, extensive knowledge of our county game, and a wealth of experience from playing at the highest level to becoming a respected leader in the sport.

“He will lead the England men’s teams forward in what is a pivotal year with an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the Specsavers Ashes Series, both on home soil. This is a key appointment and we are excited about Ashley’s arrival.”