England coach Peter Moores will be sacked next week in a move that will coincide with the appointment of Andrew Strauss as the new director of cricket.

The Guardian reports it has learned that Moores’ second spell in charge of the national team will be ended with the arrival of Strauss, whose appointment will be confirmed early next week by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

England tour South Africa in November.

Moores is currently overseeing the one-day international against Ireland in Malahide, a fixture which Strauss was due to commentate on for Sky Sports before deciding to stay away so as to avoid questions on the subject.

The broadcaster confirmed the open secret about Strauss at the start of their programme, with presenter Ian Ward explaining: ‘It is highly likely that he will be the new cricket director, and if that appointment does go ahead it will be announced next week.’

Alastair Cook’s position as Test captain will also come into question and this initial decisive move will demonstrate that Strauss’ tenure will not be one to take the cautious route that many have tipped.

It is understood Strauss’ former Middlesex team-mate and Australia opener Justin Langer could be sounded out about replacing Moores, but his family situation may see him remain in charge of Western Australia.

Another Aussie Jason Gillespie has also been mentioned over the last few weeks as a possible candidate to replace Moores should he be fired.

Since Moores became coach for a second time, England failed to progress past the pool stages of the World Cup earlier this year and they recently drew a Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.