All change at ECB as Downton takes over from Morris and Whitaker becomes chairman of selectors

PUBLISHED: 12:10 EST, 16 October 2013 | UPDATED: 01:55 EST, 17 October 2013

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Former wicketkeeper Paul Downton will succeed Hugh Morris at the ECB as managing director of England cricket.

And former Leicestershire and England batsman James Whitaker will succeed Geoff Miller as chairman of selectors and national selector on January 1.

Downton, who will start on 1 February 2014, played 30 Tests for England and represented Kent and Middlesex before his playing days were ended when he was struck in the eye by a bail in 1991. After cricket he forged a successful career in the City with HSBC, Cazenove and JP Morgan.

Safe pair of hands: Downton played for Middlesex, Kent and England

The 58-year-old said: 'I am honoured to have been offered this position and the trust which the ECB has placed in me to lead our national teams.

'Since retiring from the game I have taken a close interest in both county and International cricket and I am excited by the challenge of building on the success which England teams have enjoyed at all levels in recent years.

‘My discussions during the appointment process with the chairman, chief executive, the England team director and one-day coach have provided me with a clear vision of the importance attached to this role and I look forward to forging close and successful working relationships with my new colleagues at ECB.'

Whitaker added: ‘I am honoured to have been invited to be national selector and greatly look forward to working with the newly appointed managing director of England cricket, my fellow selectors – England team director Andy Flower and one-day coach Ashley Giles - as we seek to build on the recent success of England teams.

'I wish to thank Geoff Miller for his leadership of the selectors since 2008. Geoff’s contribution cannot be overstated and I hope that I shall prove to be a worthy successor to a man who has brought stability, diligence and great judgement to our selection process in the last five years.‘

Main man: James Whitaker (centre), with Andrew Strauss (left) and Andy Flower in 2012, will be the new England chairman of selectors

Miller concluded: ‘The last six years have been as enjoyable as any time in my cricketing career and it will be sad to step down after a 14 year period as first an England Selector and then the National Selector.

'The relationships and friendships that I have built up during that time with Hugh Morris, the managing director – England cricket, and all at the ECB are something I will cherish. However I feel that this is the perfect time to hand over the reins and I cannot think of anyone more suitable than James Whitaker to assume control of the selection panel.

'He has been a most loyal colleague who now has the chance to continue the success to which he has contributed so much, so far.

‘I wish him, Andy Flower, Ashley Giles and all the England players the very best of in the years ahead and I am sure that they will continue the pathway to success not only this winter but also in the years to come.’

ECB chief executive David Collier said: 'Geoff Miller has been an exceptional national selector, presiding over selection during one of the most successful periods in England's cricket history.

'England cricket owes a great debt of gratitude to Geoff for the outstanding contribution he has made to the game and to the fortunes of our national team.'