Ashley Giles’ three-year reign as the managing director of cricket in England has come to an end after he was relieved of his duties on Wednesday. Giles’s sack followed England’s 4-1 loss to Australia at the 2021 Ashes. Chris Silverwood’s position as coach of the team has also been in doubt recently, but he is still in charge.

Giles’ tenure as managing director was not exactly bad, as pointed out by the ECB chief executive officer, Tom Harrison: “Under his leadership, the teams have scored some notable results, most memorably the dramatic victory in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, while dealing with some of the most challenging times English cricket has ever been through.” It was also when Giles was in control that England rose to become the number one ranked T20 team in the world and the number two 50-over team.

But that has quickly been overshadowed by the performance of the team recently, particularly in the Ashes that happened over the holidays. Some of the other countries they have also recently lost to include India, New Zealand, and West Indies. Under Silverwood, who Giles appointed as coach in 2019, England has won just one out of their past 14 tests. According to Harrison, following the loss in Australia, England would have to do all they can to make the team succeed, part of which includes letting go of Giles. Giles had earlier taken responsibility for the Ashes loss.

Sir Andrew Strauss, who Giles took over from in 2019, would now take temporary charge of the team. Giles said he would spend the time with his family before seeking another challenge.

Although Silverwood’s position as coach is still intact, it is expected that an update might happen between now and the time England tours West Indies.

Written by: Leon Osamor