Chris Silverwood was under 'impossible strain', says Andrew Strauss

Chris Silverwood was placed under an «impossible strain» to combine roles as England head coach and lead selector, according to Sir Andrew Strauss.

Silverwood was relieved of his position on Thursday, following the 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia.

Ashley Giles, who gave the added responsibility to Silverwood, left his role as director of cricket on Tuesday, with Strauss taking temporary charge.

Graham Thorpe left his position as assistant coach on Friday.

In a wide-ranging media conference at Lord's, Strauss and England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison confirmed Joe Root will remain as Test captain.

However, Strauss said he will not be the permanent director of cricket and refused to rule out the possibility of Australia head coach Justin Langer becoming Silverwood's replacement.

Harrison also reiterated his desire to remain in post saying he believed it was «right for English cricket» for him to carry on.

In the short-term, Strauss is looking for an interim head coach to lead England on their three-Test tour of West Indies in March, with a squad due to be announced next week.

The new director of cricket will then appoint a head coach, with England's home summer beginning in June.

Silverwood was responsible for both the red and white-ball teams, as well as having final say on selection.

Former England captain Strauss, who was Giles' predecessor as director of cricket before standing down in 2018, said the role of the head coach should be reviewed.

«The current structure put an impossible strain on the England head coach,» said Strauss. «We have to ask ourselves what is the right structure to ensure we have the right process and decision-making in terms of squad selection.»

Ed Smith, the former national selector,