England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Paul Downton has defended coach Peter Moores following the Three Lions' disastrous exit from the World Cup.

Moores has come under fire for his side's displays at the tournament and their approach to one-day cricket under his reign, but Downton has called for patience to give the 52-year-old time to turn the team's fortunes around.

Downton told Sky Sports News: "From the coach's point of view, I was one of the panel that appointed Peter 10 months ago. One of the reasons for that was he's a hugely experienced coach. Whoever took this job was going to have a really difficult job.

"We had a side that broke up in Australia, we had to introduce new players and part of dealing with it - which was obviously going to be pressurised - was that experience.

"We're very early into an appointment. Much as we'd like to change things instantly, it takes time. Look at New Zealand and where they were with their one-day cricket two years ago - it takes time to bring things through."

Moores was re-hired as England coach in April last year.