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Strauss leads on all fronts

Richard Gibson,Pa Sport
Friday 09 January 2009 18:25 GMT
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Andrew Strauss will captain England in all forms of cricket on the forthcoming tour to the Caribbean - with the one-day and Twenty20 leadership to be reviewed upon its conclusion.

The England and Wales Cricket Board took the decision to put Strauss in total charge following a week of turmoil which saw predecessor Kevin Pietersen resign and coach Peter Moores sacked.

However, there will be no interim coach for the trip, which means Strauss will be supported by assistant coach Andy Flower and team operations manager Phil Neale, as well as Hugh Morris, managing director England cricket.

"The selectors feel that it is important to have stability and continuity on the Caribbean tour given the events of the last few days," said national selector Geoff Miller. "Andrew and I have also agreed that we will review the one-day captaincy at the end of the tour. Andrew is extremely comfortable with that."

Strauss, 31, last played for England in one-day colours back in April 2007, ironically against West Indies, in what was Duncan Fletcher's last match in charge.

Strauss added: "I am delighted to lead the team in the one-day internationals and Twenty20. I know I haven't played an ODI since the end of the World Cup in 2007 but I do feel that I have something to offer in that form of the game.

"Now this situation has been resolved we can now all unite and get about the business of winning cricket matches for England and winning them consistently."

The ECB are hopeful of appointing a permanent coach by the start of the English summer.

But for now the entire current coaching set-up will assist the squad for an assignment which includes four Tests, five one-day internationals and a 20-over showdown.

"We have a backroom team with a proven track record," Morris said. "They will all work very closely with Andrew Strauss during this tour with the sole aim of securing success."

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