Ashley Giles has stepped down as managing director of England men’s cricket post ECB board meeting to review the recently-concluded Ashes performance. Andrew Strauss, meanwhile, replaced Giles on an interim basis until the board finds a full-time replacement.
However, the changes have taken place after England’s dismal performance in the recently-concluded Ashes series, where they lost by 0-4. Head coach Chris Silverwood’s position too has been under scrutiny alongside the Test captain Joe Root although a decision on the coach’s role will be taken.
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“I’m extremely grateful to Ashley for his commitment and contribution to England men’s cricket over the last three years,” ECB CEO Tom Harrison said on Wednesday (February 2). “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.”
Ashley Giles, who succeeded Strauss to the post in 2018, stated that the last two years have been challenging because of the COVID-19 pandemic as it has been giving several challenges, including mental fatigue in bio-secure bubbles.
“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,” Giles said.”This has undoubtedly protected the future of the game in England and Wales”
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“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,” Ashley Giles concluded.
