England director of cricket Strauss to 'step back' from duties

LONDON, (Reuters) - Former England captain Andrew Strauss is "stepping back" from his role as director of cricket while his wife is treated for cancer, the 41-year-old confirmed yesterday. Strauss's wife Ruth was diagnosed in December and is entering a new period of more demanding treatment. Speaking in a video on the England and Wales Cricket Board's Twitter account, Strauss said he would be temporarily replaced by former England coach Andy Flower.

"He will keep a very steady hand on the tiller while I am away," Strauss said. "I need to step back and look after my wife and the family for a period of time."

England face Pakistan at Lord's on Thursday in the first test of the summer.