Former spin bowler Ashley Giles has been named the England and Wales cricket board’s new managing director.

Giles has succeeded the outgoing Andrew Strauss, who left the post due to family-related reasons earlier this year.

The 45-year-old Giles played 54 Tests from 1998 to 2006 – and later served as England’s limited-overs coach. He then became Warwickshire’s sport director.

‘I am delighted to be joining the ECB and shaping the future of England cricket throughout the men’s game,’ said Giles.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity and excited about working with some talented people. The legacy left by Andrew Strauss has put the performance programme in a stable place.

‘It is fundamental that I facilitate the great work currently being carried out, meet our objectives and help our sport achieve great things in the coming years, both domestically and internationally.’

His tenure will effectively start in January 2019, when England tour the West Indies.

ECB chief executive, Tom Harrison, added: ‘We were fortunate throughout this process to interview some of the most talented and respected people in the game.

‘Ashley was the standout candidate among a very strong field. He will bring a fresh perspective to the role and build on the excellent work carried out by Andrew Strauss over the past three-and-a-half years.

‘He has a tremendous passion for England cricket, extensive knowledge of our county game, and a wealth of experience from playing at the highest level, to becoming a respected leader in the sport.’

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