The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has replaced Ashley Giles with former England skipper Sir Andrew Strauss as cricket committee chairman and will be driving the developments of the game at all levels as part of his new role.
“The ECB have been a vital source of support over an extremely difficult year,” Strauss was quoted as saying by the BBC.
Along with Strauss, 78-year-old former England cricketer Sir Geoffrey Boycott was also knighted on Tuesday (10 September).
???? Sir Andrew Strauss
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 10, 2019
???? Sir Geoffrey Boycott
A massive congratulations to two England cricket legends who have been awarded knighthoods. pic.twitter.com/JZitUOiU9n
The 42-year-old former left-handed batsman, was ECB's director of cricket from 2015-18 but had to step down last year to support his late wife Ruth's cancer battle and was replaced by former England spinner Ashley Giles.
“It's a real pleasure to return... I'm extremely passionate about developing and growing cricket in England and Wales,” said Strauss on returning.
In his previous position, the former England opener born in Johannesburg, appointed Trevor Bayliss as coach, who guided the national team to their maiden 50-overs World Cup title in July.
"I've seen first-hand how this summer of cricket has inspired more people to fall in love with the sport and I can't wait to help build on its success," Strauss added.
(With Reuters inputs)
