Ashley Giles ‘stands down’ as Managing Director following disaster Ashes tour

Giles was appointed in December 2018

Ashley Giles has stepped down from his role as the Managing Director at the England and Wales Cricket Board following the atrocious Ashes tour in Australia. Head coach Chris Silverwood is expected to follow. Andrew Strauss, who is currently the chair of England’s performance committee, will take over from Giles on an interim basis until an appointment is made. The ECB's chief executive Tom Harrison and Strauss have both been part of a panel that has been reviewing recommendations following the series, which has seen Giles 'step down' in the wake of the 4-0 Test series defeat to Australia.

Giles - who was appointed in December 2018 - leaves his role with a Test squad due to be picked for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies next week.

https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1488950192355295239 A statement from the ECB read: "Ashley Giles is standing down as Managing Director, England Men’s Cricket. Ashley is leaving after three years in the role during which England Men became 50-over World Champions and are currently ranked the world’s best T20I side, 2nd in ODIs and 4th for Tests.

"Sir Andrew Strauss has agreed to step into the role on an interim basis and will put in place arrangements for the forthcoming West Indies Tour, while the search begins for a full-time replacement."

Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, said: "I’m extremely grateful to Ashley for his commitment and contribution to England men’s cricket over the last three years.

"Under his leadership the teams have scored some notable results, most memorably the dramatic victory in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, while dealing with some of the most challenging times English cricket has ever been through.

"He’s highly respected throughout the game and has made a huge contribution to the ECB and England Men’s cricket. Off the back of a disappointing men’s Ashes this winter we must ensure we put in place the conditions across our game to enable our Test team to succeed."

Giles said: "I’d like to thank everyone for the support they’ve given me, particularly all the staff and the players, as well as the Board for giving me this opportunity.

"The past couple of years have been incredibly challenging and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to deliver in the toughest of circumstances. This has undoubtedly protected the future of the game in England and Wales.

"Despite these challenges, over the past three years, we have become 50-over World Champions, the top ranked T20I side in the world, we remain 4th ranked Test team and our under 19s have just reached the World Cup final for the first time in 24 years. I wish all our players and staff great success for the future.

"I’m now looking forward to spending some time with my family before looking at the next challenge."

Following England's third Test defeat in Melbourne, Giles said he "feels the responsibility" of losing the Ashes.

England's tour of West Indies begins on on March 8 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

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