Ed Smith
Ed Smith (Image Credit: Twitter)

Ed Smith will no longer be part of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as his role has been abolished by the board under the new structure. Ed Smith was the national selector of ECB for the last three years. Now, his role has been made redundant under the new structure of the selection process, which was established by the managing director of England’s men’s cricket Ashley Giles.

43-year-old Ed Smith is a former England cricketer and cricket commentator. He has also been a journalist and author in the past. He has played 3 Tests for England along with 191 First-Class and 134 List A matches. He was selected as the national selector for England cricket in 2018.

Chris Silverwood and Joe Root
Chris Silverwood and Joe Root (Image Credit: Twitter)

I’ve Been Very Lucky To Work With James Taylor: Ed Smith

Under the new structure in ECB, the head coach and the captains will have the responsibility to select the squads. Therefore, England head coach Chris Silverwood, Test captain Joe Root, and limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan will look after the selection of players in the squad and playing XI. Hence, the role of a national selector is not required under the new structure.

Speaking on the matter, Ed Smith told ESPNCricinfo that it was a privilege for him to work with great people in England cricket.

“It has been a huge privilege to work with great people trying to help England cricket and I am excited about watching England’s continued development. I’ve been very lucky to work with James Taylor, and I’m delighted that he will remain part of the new structure.

“My thanks to the dedicated team of scouts and to all the coaches, data analysts, medics and members of the ECB Pathway, who are available every day of the year at all hours to help England’s decision-makers,” Ed Smith said.

Ed Smith And Joe Root
Ed Smith And Joe Root (Image Credit: Twitter)

Rumours are rife that Ed Smith’s relationship with some members of ECB has been on the wane for some time. Some members felt that Smith attempted to interfere with the team’s selection, a job that is more associated with coach and captain.

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For instance, some players feel that Ed Smith had a major role in leaving out Stuart Broad for England’s Test match against West Indies at Barbados in January 2019. Sam Curran was inducted in the playing XI instead of Broad and England lost the Test heavily. However, Smith has also been appreciated for backing young players in the team.

Vikas Singh Derek has been working for Cricketaddictor since February 2021. He has written over 12,000 articles for Cricketaddictor. He is a sports writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience...