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Ashley Giles (left) was England's ODI coach until he was sacked in 2014

Former England spinner Ashley Giles has replaced Andrew Strauss as managing director of England men's cricket.

Giles starts in January and will be responsible for the strategy, coaching and management of England teams.

The 45-year-old replaces ex-England batsman Strauss, who is stepping down because his wife Ruth has cancer.

"The legacy left by Andrew Strauss has put the programme in a stable place. It is fundamental that I help our sport achieve great things," Giles said.

"The next 12 months could transform the game like no other time in recent memory."

Giles, who played in 54 Tests and 62 ODIs for England between 1997 and 2006, joins the England camp following a month-long formal recruitment process led by ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison.

The left-arm spinner was sacked as England's ODI coach in 2014 despite leading them to a Champions Trophy final.

But his appointment comes at a critical time with a home World Cup and home Ashes campaign against Australia next summer.

Joe Root's Test side have recently risen to number two in the world, while the top-ranked one-day team, led by Eoin Morgan, will head into World Cup as one of the favourites.

Harrison said: "Ashley was the standout candidate among a very strong field. He will bring a fresh perspective to the role and build on the excellent work carried out by Andrew Strauss over the past three and a half years.

"He has a tremendous passion for England cricket, extensive knowledge of our county game, and a wealth of experience from playing at the highest level to becoming a respected leader in the sport."

Giles is currently director of sport at Warwickshire and was head coach and cricket director at Lancashire from 2014 to 2016.

He was also a national team selector from 2008 to 2014.