Ashley Giles: England managing director stands down after Ashes defeat

Ashley Giles: England managing director stands down after Ashes defeat
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England director of cricket Ashley Giles is to stand down following the 4-0 Ashes hammering in Australia.

Sir Andrew Strauss, the man Giles replaced in 2018, will take temporary charge and make arrangements for the forthcoming tour of West Indies.

Giles was in charge when England won the World Cup in 2019, but their performances in Tests have regressed.

Under head coach Chris Silverwood, the man Giles appointed in 2019, they have won only 10 of their past 29 Tests.

Former England spinner Giles presided over a controversial rest-and-rotation policy in 2021, employed largely in response to their crowded schedule during the Covid pandemic.

The tourists were also criticised for the decision making in Australia, with team selection coming under particular scrutiny.

Following England's third-Test defeat in Melbourne, which ensured the series was lost at the earliest opportunity, Giles said he "feels the responsibility" of losing the Ashes.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) met on Tuesday and there may be more casualties from the Ashes tour, with Silverwood's future unclear.

As well as being head coach, Silverwood is also responsible for selection, an extra responsibility given to him by Giles in April of last year.

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

"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, who played 54 Tests for England and was part of the team that famously won the 2005 Ashes, said: "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 fourth-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."

It is an incredible return for Strauss, who stepped down following the death of his wife, Ruth.

The former England captain, 44, must make swift plans for the three Tests against West Indies in March, with a squad due to be announced next week.

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