Essex head coach McGrath becomes director of cricket

Anthony McGrath steered Essex to the County Championship and T20 Blast titles in 2019

Essex have named head coach Anthony McGrath as the club's new director of cricket.

The former England all-rounder, 48, will continue in charge of the first team but will now oversee all areas of cricket development as part of his new role in the club's management restructure.

McGrath, who was appointed head coach in 2018, will have "an integral strategic role" in developing the women's team along with responsibility for the pathway for players across men's, women's and academy cricket.

"I’m honoured to take up this position,” said McGrath.

"This is now an opportunity for us to shape the strategic vision of cricket played by men, women, boys and girls in the county."

Essex chair Anu Mohindru said he was "delighted" with the appointment of McGrath to the newly created post, explaining it will allow the club to create "a clear identity and playing style across all our representative teams".

Earlier this month, Essex announced chief executive John Stephenson will be leaving at the end of the season with Dan Feist named as the club's general manager as part of an "ongoing restructure".

Essex are still facing charges relating to racist language or conduct between 2001 and 2010 with Stephenson saying last month that the club will never publicly name those allegedly involved.

Essex are third in Division One of the County Championship, 29 points behind champions Surrey, after winning four of their nine games so far.

They are also on course for a place in the quarter-finals of the T20 Blast before the red-ball season resumes in late August following the group phase of the One-Day Cup.