“The next 12 months could transform the game like no other time in recent memory”
Sunday 16 December 2018 07:45, UK
Ashley Giles has been appointed managing director of England Men's Cricket and says he will strive to help cricket "achieve great things in the coming years".
Giles, who played 54 Tests, will officially take up the role in January ahead of the Sky Live tour of the Caribbean before overseeing England's summer quest for 50-over World Cup and Ashes glory.
The 45-year-old replaces former England team-mate Andrew Strauss, who stepped down from the position in October to support his wife during her battle with cancer.
"The legacy left by Andrew Strauss has put the performance programme in a stable place," said Giles.
"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."
Giles, who is currently sport director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, will be responsible for the long-term strategy of the England men's cricket teams and the performance pathways leading into the international teams.
After a playing career at Warwickshire spanning 13 years, he became the county's director of cricket and led the Edgbaston outfit to the championship title in 2012.
He later worked as a national team selector from 2008 to 2014.
Tom Harrison, ECB chief executive officer, said: "We were fortunate throughout this process to interview some of the most talented and respected people in the game.
"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."
Watch live action on Sky Sports Cricket this Christmas as New Zealand and Sri Lanka go head to head, before South Africa take on Pakistan.
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