Strauss pondering England chief role

Andrew Strauss on Thursday said he will decide ‘in the next couple of weeks’ whether he wants to apply for the post of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s managing director of cricket. The position, which carries responsibility for the overall running of England’s national teams, is set to become vacant after incumbent Hugh Morris announced last month he would be stepping down to become the new chief executive and director of cricket at county side Glamorgan, which he captained as a player.

Former England captain Strauss, who retired from all senior cricket last year, was immediately touted as a possible successor by Morris, as was current England team director Andy Flower. But while Flower has been steadfastly non-committal about replacing Morris as he prepares to take the Test side to Australia for their defence of the Ashes starting in November, Strauss -- who has been commentating for Sky television in recent months -- admitted he was interested in the role.

‘I’m always looking for opportunities and I will continue doing so,’ Strauss said. ‘I really enjoyed doing the Sky stuff, I’m very passionate about the game of cricket and want to contribute to it. ‘In exactly what way that is, kind of remains to be seen a bit,’ added. As for suggestions he might replace Morris.