Strauss appointed England Director of Cricket

Former captain Andrew Strauss is England's new director of cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed.

Strauss had been widely tipped to take on the role, a post created by the ECB last month following Paul Downton's sacking as managing director.

Strauss' appointment follows a month-long recruitment process led by ECB chief executive Tom Harrison.

“Andrew’s breadth of ideas, his passion for England cricket and his proven leadership skills shone out," Harrison said.

“He was an exceptional England captain, is an authoritative voice on the modern game and has a wealth of experience building successful teams.

“Andrew is also widely respected across the sporting landscape. We’re delighted he’s joining us at the ECB as we set out to create a new strategy for the game.”

Strauss will oversee England’s senior men’s team, including their long-term strategies, performance and development programs, the selection process and the player pathway, with the England head coach - currently Peter Moores - to report directly to him.

Strauss's fellow ex-England skippers Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart had also expressed an interest in the role.

But Vaughan appeared to rule himself out after being severely critical of the current set-up in a column for the Daily Telegraph following England's defeat by the West Indies in the third Test in Barbados.

Strauss' appointment comes as speculation mounts heavily that current coach Moores’ sacking is imminent.

Reports in the UK press say Moores could be removed from the position as early as today (Saturday).

Update: Peter Moores' sacking confirmed