Paul Downton leaves role as ECB managing director

Paul Downton has left his job as managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after only 15 months in charge.

He departs on the back of a disastrous World Cup campaign in New Zealand and Australia, where England's one-day side failed to make the knockout stages of the tournament. The former England, Middlesex and Kent wicketkeeper was appointed to the position in October 2013 but his role is now redundant as the ECB are to employ a new 'Director of England Cricket'. The new role will be given a rather challenging remit to "deliver a world class performance environment for all formats". Downton was instrumental in the sacking of former England captain Kevin Pietersen, and sections of the Barmy Army will be hoping that today's news leaves the door ajar for a possible return.