Andrew Strauss replaces Kevin Pietersen as England captain

Kevin Pietersen was given a police escort out of Heathrow airport after returning to England from a holiday in South Africa. Pietersen, who resigned as England captain in controversial circumstances, tried to slip out of a side door but was greeted by a gang of photographers and cameramen. After landing on a Virgin flight from Johannesburg, Pietersen left in a black car without making any comment. England begin a new era under Andrew Strauss in the wake of Pietersen's resignation and the sacking of coach Peter Moores. Strauss, who leads England's tour to the Caribbean in just under a fortnight, is to be consulted with urgency by the England hierarchy with regard to the one-day captaincy. No timescale was put upon his new tenure as Test captain - although England and Wales Cricket Board sources were hinting at it being a permanent appointment - shortly after it was confirmed Pietersen had stepped down. It is not inconceivable that Strauss will be asked to front the one-day side as well, although he has not been in England's plans since the 2007 World Cup. Another pressing matter is the coaching set-up for the West Indies trip and the backroom staff will be quizzed in the next 24 hours in a bid to form a temporary structure for the ten-week tour. It is hoped a new coach will be appointed before the start of the English summer. The ECB statement read: "Kevin recognised that in the present situation it was impossible to restore the dressing room unity, which is vital, if England are to win the forthcoming tour to the Caribbean, the ICC global events or regain the Ashes in the npower Ashes Test series." Hugh Morris, England cricket managing director, added: "I have an extremely high respect and regard for Kevin Pietersen but this has become an impossible situation given the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship between captain and coach." Moores, who the board determined 'should relinquish his role as England team director', was unavailable for comment and continues to keep his own counsel.

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ITN | January 8, 2009

Tags:. .backroom. .captaincy. .cameramen. .pietersens. .hierarchy