Tom Harrison has stepped down from his role as ECB chief executive in a move which represents the latest change in English cricket.

On the back of defeats to Australia and the West Indies, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have recently been appointed as the new England Test captain and head coach respectively.

With the upcoming series against New Zealand just two weeks away, it has now been revealed that Harrison will depart a position that he has held since 2014.

Harrison, who has played an integral backroom role in growing cricket at all levels, will officially leave the ECB next month.

Speaking to the ECB's official website, Harrison said: "It has been a huge honour to be CEO of the ECB for the past seven years. Cricket is an extraordinary force for good in the world and my goal has been to make the game bigger and ensure more people and more communities in England and Wales feel they have a place in this sport. The long-term health of cricket depends on its ability to grow and remain relevant and be more inclusive in an ever-changing world.

"The past two years have been incredibly challenging, but we have pulled together to get through the pandemic, overcome cricket's biggest financial crisis, and committed to tackling discrimination and continuing the journey towards becoming the inclusive, welcoming sport we strive to be.

"I have put everything into this role, but I believe now is the right time to bring in fresh energy to continue this work."

Women's cricket managing director Clare Connor will now take over on an interim basis while a permanent successor is identified. body check tags ::