Sir Andrew Strauss takes up role as chair of ECB's cricket committee

The former England captain has returned to the governing body for the first time since stepping down from his role as director of England cricket in October 2018

Sir Andrew Strauss has been appointed as the chair of the ECB's cricket committee and will replace Peter Wright who stepped down from the position after nine years in the role.

The former England captain has assumed a new role with the ECB for the first time since stepping down from his post as director of England cricket in October 2018 to support his family during his wife Ruth's battle with cancer, which she tragically lost in December.

During his three-and-a-half years as director of England cricket, he oversaw the England men's team performance strategy and is credited with laying the foundations that led to Eoin Morgan's side's victory in the World Cup.

On being appointed for his new role, Strauss said: "It is a real pleasure to return to ECB in this new capacity.

"ECB and the whole cricket family have been a vital source of support over an extremely difficult year and it's really great to be back at Lord's, a place that has become a second home to me.

"I'm extremely passionate about developing and growing cricket in England and Wales and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the cricket committee to continually drive all aspects of the professional game, including women's, men's and disability cricket."

ECB's chief executive officer Tom Harrison added: "Sir Andrew has and always will be a massive part of the cricket family and I am thrilled that he is returning to ECB in a role he is perfectly placed to take on.

"He excels at everything he sets his mind to – from winning the Ashes as captain of England and shaping the culture of a World Cup-winning team as our director of England cricket, to supporting his family under unimaginable circumstances and launching The Ruth Strauss Foundation which recently raised £500,000 at the Lord's Ashes Test.

"He is an inspiration to all who work with him and I know I speak on behalf of everyone at ECB and the wider game when I say we are delighted to welcome him back in this important role."