Andrew Strauss best candidate for ECB job - Graeme Swann

BBC Sport

Andrew Strauss is the perfect candidate to become the England and Wales Cricket Board's director of cricket, says former England spinner Graeme Swann.

Former captain Strauss is set to take on the new role, created following the exit of managing director Paul Downton.

"Strauss is a fantastic leader of men, he knows cricket inside out and is a born diplomat and politician," Swann told BBC Sport.

"I can't think of anyone better for the role, whatever it is."

The remit of the post is unclear as the ECB has declined to make the job description public.

Downton left his post following England's dismal World Cup and, in the aftermath of the disappointing 1-1 Test series draw with West Indies, former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott said "things won't change" if Strauss is named director of cricket.

However Swann, who played 42 of his 60 Tests under Strauss, countered: "Without seeing the job description, we've no idea the influence he will be able to have.

"But in my experience he is a great man to have in charge."