Ed Smith named new ECB National Selector

Smith played three Test matches for England and made 350 appearances in county cricket across a first-class career that spanned 12 years.

"His appointment is part of a new approach to scouting, assessing and selecting players for the senior men’s Test, T20 and One-Day sides, ensuring greater connection right through the international pathway," read the ECB website.

Smith will appoint a full-time independent England Selector to work alongside him and England Head Coach Trevor Bayliss.

Beneath them a scouting system with designated discipline-specific scouts will work to ensure comprehensive coverage of the domestic game and the talent pathway.

Ed Smith, National Selector, said: "I’m delighted to take on the role of National Selector. I was very happy with what I was doing previously but the chance to be at the forefront of this development in English cricket was too good an opportunity to turn down."

"Selection and Talent ID have always fascinated me and I've explored extensively how they are evolving," he said.

"It is an exciting time for England cricket. I'm very much looking forward to working with Trevor, Joe and Eoin, as we work towards ensuring that the talent in English cricket feeds into consistent performances in all formats of the game," he said.