Rob Key emerges as a contender for England's managing director role

Former England batsman Rob Key has emerged as a surprise contender to become the new managing director of the England team after Alec Stewart ruled himself out of the running on Wednesday.

The managing director’s position is being filled on an interim basis by Andrew Strauss, whose first job is to make a permanent appointment to replace Ashley Giles, sacked last month following England’s 4-0 defeat in the Ashes.

Key would be a left-field choice for a job that offers overall control of the men’s England team as he has worked primarily as a pundit and commentator since retiring from county cricket at Kent six years ago.

The 42-year-old has developed into an outstanding broadcaster with Sky Sports, however, with excellent communication skills and clear views on how the game should be played and the sport structured.

Strauss previously worked as managing director between 2015 and 2018 before stepping down due to his wife’s ill health.

The Ashes-winning captain had also worked mainly in the media before taking up the role, so he may not consider Key’s inexperience to be a problem if he feels his former England team-mate has the right credentials for the job.

Key captained Kent for seven years in a long playing career, playing 15 Tests and five one-day internationals for England.

His career at Sky began as a pundit at Twenty20 Blast matches while he was still playing, but after his retirement he became a mainstay of their international coverage and is currently in Pakistan covering Australia’s tour.

Following the dismissals of Giles and coach Chris Silverwood after the Ashes defeat, Key made clear his belief that England should have separate coaches for the Test and white-ball formats, as well as arguing for the return of a