Andrew Strauss steps down as director of England Cricket

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Andrew Strauss on Wednesday stepped down from his position as Director of England Cricket after three and a half years in charge. 

The former England captain will now take a more flexible role with the ECB, initially supporting Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison in the process of recruiting a full-time successor, the ECB said in a press release.

Andy Flower, who has covered the role for the last four months, will continue in his interim capacity until December with the intention of joining the Lions in India in January. A full-time appointment will be made before England's West Indies tour in the New Year.

Explaining the decision, Andrew Strauss said: "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.

"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," Strauss was quoted as saying in the ECB release.

"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. It has been hugely motivating and enjoyable to be working for the ECB and England Cricket.

"Before taking on this incredible role, I had little appreciation of all the selfless work that goes on across the ECB and throughout domestic cricket to ensure we have winning England teams and that the game, as a whole, keeps growing.

"I have been fortunate to be at the ECB at a time when ground-breaking progress has been made, giving cricket a platform to evolve and inspire for years to come. I would like to express my gratitude to Tom, Colin Graves and the leadership team for their commitment and support in helping to drive English cricket forward. I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to all of those who I have had the pleasure to work with, both inside and outside of the ECB. Finally, I would like to wish Trevor, Paul, Joe, Eoin and all of those involved in the England teams all the very best in a historical year in 2019," he added.