“Right now I need far more flexibility than could ever be possible in my position in order to support my family.
“Next year is potentially the most important the game has had in this country, with the World Cup on home soil and a home Ashes series, and we have an incredible opportunity to do something special.
Andrew Strauss has stepped down as England’s director of cricket.
Photo: PA
“It is vital that the director of cricket can give consistent guidance and support to England Cricket through this period.”
Although he is exiting the stage earlier than hoped, having been charged with landing the country’s first major 50-over trophy when he took the job three-and-a-half years ago, there is no doubt about the impact he has had.
Strauss took the job in the aftermath of a World Cup fiasco in 2015 and oversaw sweeping changes that have helped transform England into the top-ranked side on the planet in a format which once served solely to expose their frailties.
That they go into this month’s five-match series against Sri Lanka as the world’s No.1 side is down to positive coaching and skilful cricket but also Strauss’ early vision for the side.
“He’s been at the forefront of it, he was incredibly instrumental in our forward thinking and planning to the position we are in at the moment,” said Morgan.
“It’s easily brushed over but going back to the summer of 2015 the direction given by him to myself and Paul Farbrace – who was interim coach at time – and all the selectors was to build something to prepare for the 2019 World Cup.
“Without that direction we wouldn’t haven been allowed the freedom to play in that manner, to know we could plan four years ahead.”
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If Peter Moores’ sacking was the most obvious of Strauss’ big decisions, and closing the door on Kevin Pietersen’s comeback the most contentious, the appointment of Bayliss was perhaps the most unexpected.
If England make history at the Lord’s final next July, it will go down as an inspired one.
“I think he’d be probably be embarrassed if we came out and said ‘the boys want to do it for him’,” said Bayliss.
“But we all understand the reasons why he’s had to step away, we fully understand that and appreciate the struggles his family has in front of him. I’d just like to say he’s done a fantastic job.”
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