England director of cricket Andrew Strauss steps down

After three-and-a-half years in the role, Andrew Strauss has today stepped down as England’s director of cricket.

The 41-year-old, who is a former England captain, was appointed to the position in 2015. He took a break from his professional duties at the start of the summer in order to support his family and his wife, Ruth, who is being treated for cancer.

For the past four months, Andy Flower has taken on Strauss’s role. The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed Flower will continue in his interim capacity until December.

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Strauss will now take “a more flexible role” with the ECB and will help chief executive Tom Harrison recruit a full-time successor. The ECB says an appointment will be made before England go on tour to the West Indies early next year.

“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 in a statement.

“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.”