Ed Smith, who played for Middlesex and Kent and represented England in three Tests in 2003, has been appointed as a non-executive director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), starting October 1. Smith previously served as England men's selector from 2018 to 2021, during which he was instrumental in England's historic ODI World Cup win in 2019 and implemented a rest-and-rotation policy to safeguard players' wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic. The ECB announced that Smith's role will involve scrutiny and challenge regarding the long-term strategy and governance of cricket in England. His appointment comes after England's disappointing 4-1 defeat in the Ashes series, raising questions about the team's professionalism. Smith takes over from Baroness Zahida Manzoor, who has concluded her three-year term. ECB Chair Richard Thompson expressed confidence in Smith's strategic mindset and cricketing experience, emphasizing the importance of his contributions during a critical time for both the men's and women's teams. The international cricket summer will commence with the women's white-ball series against New Zealand on May 10, followed by the men's first Test at Lord's on June 4.