Andrew Strauss resigns as ECB director

Former English batsman Andrew Strauss has resigned from the post of the director of the England Cricket Board (ECB) after a three and a half year tenure.

"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," ECB website quoted Strauss, as saying.

Explaining the reason behind the resignation, Strauss said that the upcoming cricket season is really important for the English team, with Ashes and World Cup on home soil, adding that they need consistent guidance and support from the Board.

He further stated that he would not be retiring from the role completely as he would be supporting Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison in the process of recruiting a full-time successor.

"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. 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," he added.

Reflecting on Strauss' departure, Harrison said, " 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."

Andy Flower will serve as the interim director of ECB until the new appointment, which will be made before England's West Indies tour in 2019.

-ANI