The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday that the managing director of England’s men’s team, Ashley Giles, will leave his role after the humiliating Ashes series in Australia. Former England captain Andrew Strauss will take over on an interim basis.
Giles and coach Chris Silverwood had been under pressure after England lost the five-Test Ashes series 4-0, with former skipper Mike Atherton calling for a complete overhaul of the England management.
“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,” said Tom Harrison, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s chief executive.
Under Giles, England won the 50-over Cricket World Cup for the first time but has had a turbulent time in the Test format, with the ECB’s focus seemingly having been on white-ball cricket.
“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,” said Giles, a former England spinner.
“This has undoubtedly protected the future of the game in England and Wales.” Giles said he was “looking forward to spending some time with my family before looking at the next challenge.”
Joe Root’s future as the Test captain has also been in doubt after the humiliating Ashes capitulation in Australia, with all-rounder Ben Stokes touted as a viable option to replace him by former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting.
