Ashley Giles has stepped down from his duties as the managing director of the England men’s team in the wake of the 0-4 Ashes 2021-22 disaster in Australia.
Giles found his position under pressure after England’s woeful tour of Australia, where the Three Lions failed to win a single Test match in the Ashes 2021–22.
The humiliating Ashes series loss ended a poor 2021 season where England lost 9 of their 15 Tests, as well as suffered defeat in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE. However, England won the 2019 World Cup during Giles’ stint.
Eventually, the 48-year-old former cricketer decided to leave the job after three years in the role of managing director of England's men's cricket team. Giles was appointed as England's managing director at the end of 2018, replacing former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss, who will now take over on an interim basis ahead of the Test series in the West Indies.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Strauss has agreed to step into the role on an interim basis while the search begins for a full-time replacement.
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Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m extremely grateful to Ashley for his commitment and contribution to England men’s cricket over the last three years. 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, “He’s highly respected throughout the game and has made a huge contribution to the ECB and England Men’s cricket. 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.”
Meanwhile, Ashley Giles stated: “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.”
He continued, “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. 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.”
Giles signed off by saying, “I wish all our players and staff great success for the future. I’m now looking forward to spending some time with my family before looking at the next challenge.”
(With ECB Inputs)
