Strauss Steps Into England Hot Seat As Pietersen Resigns and Moores Sacked

The England and Wales Cricket board has sacked Peter Moores as coach of the England cricket team following Kevin Pietersen's resignation from the captaincy. Andrew Strauss will now take over as captain for the upcoming Test and one-day tour of West Indies, while Pietersen has confirmed he still intends to be part of the playing squad.

Speaking at a press conference at The Oval, the managing director of England cricket, Hugh Morris, said: "Kevin recognised that in the present situation it was impossible to restore the dressing-room unity, which is vital, if England are to win the forthcoming tour to the Caribbean, the ICC global events or regain the Ashes in the Ashes Test series."

Morris also confirmed that Pietersen will remain an England player and will tour West Indies with the Test squad next month. "Kevin Pietersen is highly valued as a senior and experienced player and we are delighted that he has indicated he wishes to continue to represent England in all their forthcoming international fixtures, starting in the Caribbean later this month," added Morris.

On a personal level Morris admitted that the situation was a difficult one to resolve: "I have an extremely high respect and regard for Kevin Pietersen but this has become an impossible situation given the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship between captain and coach."

With regard to Moores, the ECB board determined that he should relinquish his role as England team director. "I have the greatest respect for the dignity which Peter Moores has shown in recent days when he has found himself under extreme pressure," said Morris. "The ECB wishes him well in his future roles. I would also like to thank him for his contribution as England Team director and his work as national academy director."

Strauss, who took over the captaincy when Michael Vaughan was injured in 2006, has agreed to lead the team to the Caribbean. As the search for permanent successors to Pietersen and Moores begins, Morris added a temporary coach will be appointed for that tour as soon as possible.

Only minutes before the ECB press conference, Pietersen ended a day of intense speculation by releasing a statement in which he confirmed that he was stepping down from his role as captain. "Contrary to media speculation today, I wish to make it very clear that I did not resign as captain of the England cricket team this morning," read the statement. "However, in light of recent communications with the ECB, and the unfortunate media stories and speculation that have subsequently appeared, I now consider that it would be extremely difficult for me to continue in my current position with the England cricket team. Accordingly, I have as of this afternoon decided to stand down as England captain with immediate effect.

"Notwithstanding my resignation as England captain, I still fully intend to be a part of both England's Test and one-day international squad to tour the West Indies next month and to do all I can to recapture the Ashes during the summer.

"I wish to add that I have principles in my professional and personal life as to how things are done and during my time as England captain I have always been both helpful and direct in my communications with the ECB. At no time, contrary to press speculation, have I released any unauthorized information to the media regarding my relationships with the players, coaches and the ECB itself.

"I am extremely sad and disappointed to have to relinquish the captaincy at such an early stage, especially in a crucial year for English cricket, in such circumstances and particularly when I feel that I have much more to offer the England team as captain. However, this decision will not affect my determination to continue playing international cricket for England, doing all I can to win matches for the team and supporting whoever captains the team in the future."