Former Kent captain Rob Key has been appointed as the new managing director of England men's cricket.

The 42-year-old, who retired from playing six years ago, takes over the role with immediate effect. It means Key will give up his work with Sky Sports, having carved out a successful media career in recent years.

Key will be responsible for the strategy behind the England men’s cricket teams and the performance pathways leading into them. He will also take a key role as part of the High Performance Review which will begin shortly.

His first task will be to help appoint a new head coach and captain, after the departure of Joe Root earlier this week.

Key said: “It is an absolute honour to take up this role.

"The chance to have an impact and make a difference is an opportunity given to very few and I will give it everything I have to try shape the next great era of English Men’s cricket.

“I have absolutely loved my time at Sky and I could never have imagined leaving were it not for this incredible opportunity.

"I’d like to personally thank Bryan Henderson and everyone in the team for their help and support.

“Although at this current moment it has been a challenging time in English cricket, I also think it’s as exciting a time as I can remember.

"With two of our teams near or at the top of the world rankings and an undoubted amount of talent in our game, I hope to try and bring everyone along for the ride so we can all help take English Men’s cricket to new heights across all formats.”

Prior to the appointment, Sir Andrew Strauss had undertaken the role on an interim basis following Ashley Giles’ departure in February after three years.

Key played 15 Tests for England and averaged 31.00, his finest honour coming when he scored a double hundred against the West Indies at Lord's in 2004.

He captained Kent in two spells, helping the side win the County Championship Division 2 title in 2010 and reach three domestic finals. He was also part of the England side who won the Under-19 World Cup for the first and only time in 1998.

Key has remained involved in the administration side of the game and has previously sat on the ECB’s Performance Cricket Committee.

ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said: “Following a thorough recruitment process, Rob stood out in a very competitive field.

"His passion and knowledge of the game at domestic and international level is outstanding.

"He is a proven leader and combines an approachable nature with fresh, original thinking and resilience which will stand him in good stead.

"He will bring a lot to the role and I am sure players and staff alike will enjoy working with Rob. I have no doubt he will relish the challenge before us.”