Ed Smith, a former cricketer for Middlesex and Kent, has been appointed as a non-executive director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), effective October 1, 2023. Smith, who played three Test matches for England in 2003, previously served as the England men's selector from 2018 to 2021, during which time the team won the 2019 ODI World Cup. His tenure also included implementing a rest-and-rotation policy for player wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith's appointment comes after England's disappointing 4-1 defeat in the recent Ashes series, which raised concerns about the team's professionalism. He will replace Baroness Zahida Manzoor, who has completed her three-year term on the board. Smith expressed enthusiasm for contributing to English cricket during a crucial time for both the men's and women's teams. ECB Chair Richard Thompson praised Smith's extensive experience and strategic mindset, emphasizing the value he will bring to board discussions.