Swann backs Strauss for ECB top job

Former England spinner Graeme Swann feels his long-time team-mate and skipper Andrew Strauss will be a good pick for the vacant ECB managing director post, as he's a 'leader of men'.
Strauss, who retired from the game in 2012 to make way for Alastair Cook as skipper, is the front-runner to take over the post Paul Downton was sacked from earlier this year. Other candidates had been Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart.
Swann, who played with Strauss for most of his TEst career until retiring during the most recent Ashes, told the BBC: "Strauss is a fantastic leader of men, he knows cricket inside out and is a born diplomat and politician.
"I can't think of anyone better for the role, whatever it is.
"Without seeing the job description, we've no idea the influence he will be able to have. But in my experience he is a great man to have in charge."
Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser, who has worked with Strauss for years as a player and a selector, also felt the former skipper would be a great choice, given his experience and track record as a leader.
Fraser told the BBC: "They put a plan in place and worked to it. They won Ashes series and became the number one Test side in the world.
"Thinking things through, getting the organisation right and putting the right people in the right positions is something he'll do very well.
"If you've produced a Test side that got to number one in the world, you must have taken ideas on board."
One person not keen on Strauss though is Geoff Boycott, as the former batsman feels Strauss is too conservative and lacks imagination. he feels the status quo will be maintained and nothing will improve.
Boycott said: "If Andrew Strauss is the new ECB director of cricket, it'll stay the same."
Latest
-
News
Zak Crawley rediscovers form as Kent’s clash with Northamptonshire is drawn
Crawley started the week averaging under 20 in this season’s LV= Insurance County Championship.
-
News
India recall Cheteshwar Pujara for rescheduled Test against England
The 34-year-old has scored four hundreds in eight innings for Sussex this season.
-
News
Keith Barker blows away Somerset to help Hampshire to victory
The visitors needed just one run in their second innings to seal victory.
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.