Andrew Strauss steps down as ECB’s strategic advisor
Former England player Andrew Strauss has decided to step down as the Strategic Advisor to the ECB Board and Chair of the Performance Cricket Committee. The former skipper of the England national team has been a prominent figure in the England Cricket Board, who served as the interim Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket between February and May 2022.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the ECB and am proud of having contributed to a successful period for our England teams. With increasing commitments outside of the organization, sadly I’ve decided it’s time to step away from my current role. I wish the new Board all the very best as it continues in its mission to grow our game,” said Strauss, who has also previously served as Director of England Cricket for over three years.
Strauss, who had recommended several reforms for English cricket were turned down by the counties. These recommendations were made to enable players to play in all kinds of conditions a player can get to experience around the world. In the same vein, restructuring the domestic set-up, which will focus more on playing red-ball cricket. Apart from that one of the key recommendations proposed included the use of Kookaburra balls which seams for a longer duration than the Duke balls which are mainly used in England.
ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “Andrew has given outstanding service to English cricket over many years in a number of different roles. I’ve greatly valued the advice and expertise he has provided in my time as Chair, and have enjoyed working with him. We are currently implementing the vast majority of recommendations from his impressive High Performance Review, which I believe will help our England Men’s teams to sustain their success. I have no doubt he has much more to contribute to the game and hope he will return in the future.”
Strauss, who has been one of England’s most successful Test skippers, has been a vital part in the success of the men’s cricket team in white ball format. After the disastrous performance in the 2015 World Cup, Strauss appointed the managing director of men’s cricket helped revolutionize white-ball cricket forever and make The Three Lions a dominant force in the years to come.
With Strauss departing, the ECB has appointed four non-executive directors in their management with the likes of Penny Avis, Baroness Zahida Manzoor, Jennifer Owen Adams, and Gareth Williams, respectively. Additionally, as per the board, the appointment of two more cricket directors in non-executive roles is underway.