Andrew Strauss has announced that he will step down as director of England cricket on a temporary basis in order to support his ill wife Ruth.

The former England captain's partner was diagnosed with cancer in December, which resulted in Strauss leaving the Ashes tour in Australia to fly home.

Now, Ruth is due to undergo a new course of treatment, which has led the former batsman to step down from his position on a temporary basis.

A statement from Strauss read: "We're very lucky that she's been very well until now. Although she is starting a new treatment on Friday that is going to be more challenging for her. As such, I'm going to be stepping back from my day-to-day duties while that treatment is going on."

Former England coach Andy Flower will replace Strauss for the time being.