PAUL DOWNTON "has left his post as managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board," according to the BBC.
Downton "was instrumental in the sacking of former England captain" KEVIN PIETERSEN in Feb. '14. Downton also axed ALASTAIR COOK "as one-day captain in December before the team's disastrous World Cup display."
The ECB "is to create a new role of 'Director of England cricket' as England build towards an Ashes series."
Head coach PETER MOORES and national selector JAMES WHITAKER "remain in place." In a statement, CEO TOM HARRISON said the ECB needed to be "accountable for reaching the standards we aspire to" (BBC, 4/8). In London, Stephen Brenkley wrote Downton's replacement "will be charged with having 'a clear focus on delivering a world-class performance environment for all formats.'" Harrison: "The England cricket department needs to deliver performance at the highest level and our structure needs to be accountable for reaching the standards we aspire to" (INDEPENDENT, 4/8). Also in London, Mike Atherton reported Downton "was ultimately responsible for the performances of the England team and a shambolic World Cup campaign was the last straw." His superiors "lost confidence in his decision-making and feel that a more hands-on manager is required." Where "do England turn?" The ECB "wants to restructure the position so that the new man has a more hands-on role within the England team, and that the extra layers of responsibility -- women’s cricket and Loughborough for example -- are removed."
Less of a managing director of England cricket "as a whole, then, as a manager of the England team specifically."
MICHAEL VAUGHAN or ANDREW STRAUSS, the former captains, "would be strong contenders for the new role," with Vaughan stating that "he would be open to an approach" (LONDON TIMES, 4/8). In London, Lawrence Booth wrote ALEC STEWART "has expressed his interest" in becoming the new director of England Cricket following the sacking of Downton. Stewart, who is currently director of cricket at Surrey, "has not yet been approached by the ECB." Stewart: "When England come calling, you shouldn't say no" (DAILY MAIL, 4/9).
