Kevin Pietersen’s hopes of returning to the international arena have been dealt a major blow, as former England captain Andrew Strauss is now the overwhelming favourite for one of the top jobs within the ECB.
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The board were looking to fill the role left by Paul Downton, who was sacked not long after England’s shocking display in the World Cup earlier in the year. However, as part of their rebuilding process, the job has been modified.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Strauss is now set to become the first director of cricket after beating off competition from old teammate Michael Vaughan.
Both men have a good idea of what makes a successful team. Vaughan was widely credited – alongside Duncan Fletcher – as the man to guide England to the higher echelons of the international game, with the highlight coming in 2005 when the Ashes were won in irresistibly dramatic fashion. His legacy allowed Strauss to take the team to the top of the World Test rankings, and win two consecutive series against Australia. Obviously, it will now be hoped that the man appointed – which now looks like being Strauss – can replicate some of the success they had during their respective playing careers.
As mentioned, one man who is unlikely to be less than thrilled about the appointment is Kevin Pietersen. The batsman has a chequered history with Strauss, and whilst that relationship had nothing to do with his sacking from the side in 2014, his chances of regaining a place in the side will be severely harmed should his former foe return to the hierarchy.
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