Ashley Giles, the former Managing Director of England men’s cricket team, has been under severe pressure after facing a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Australia, in the recently concluded Ashes Test series. And now the former England spinner has decided to step down from his position of the Managing Director of England cricket team after three long years.
During his tenure the English team had managed to win the 2019 World Cup. England are also the top-ranked team in the shortest format of the game, currently.
Challenging phase
While talking about the decision, Giles said that “the past couple of years have been incredibly challenging” and he is proud of what they have been able to “deliver in the toughest of circumstances.”
“I’d like to thank everyone for the support they’ve given me, particularly all the staff and the players, as well as the Board for giving me this opportunity. 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,” Giles said in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
“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 4th 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,” the 48-year-old former England spinner further added.
Harrison's praise
ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison on the other hand, praised Giles for his “commitment and contribution to England men’s cricket.”
“I’m extremely grateful to Ashley for his commitment and contribution to England men’s cricket over the last three years,” stated Harrison.
“Under his leadership the teams have scored some notable results, most memorably the dramatic victory in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, while dealing with some of the most challenging times English cricket has ever been through,” Harrison added.
Former England skipper, Andrew Strauss will be the new Managing Director of the England men’s team, on an interim basis.
