ECB sacks Graham Gooch as England's batting coach with 'immediate effect'

The England and Wales Cricket Board has reportedly sacked Graham Gooch as the team's batting coach with immediate effect as the fallout from the Ashes drubbing continued.

The former England captain, who is a veteran of 118 Tests, joined the team as a consultant batting coach in late 2009 before taking up a fulltime role in early 2012, and his departure was announced two weeks after Peter Moores returned as England coach in place of Andy Flower.

According to Sport24, Gooch said in an ECB statement that captain Alastair Cook informed him that he was in favour of change, although he added that he respects Cook's and Moores' right to implement this 'change of direction'.

Gooch further said that Cook is still the best man to lead England despite presiding over the 5-0 Ashes rout as he commands respect and will always put his body on the line for his country, although he added that Cook will face many challenges and have many more tough decisions to make before his journey ends.

ECB managing director Paul Downton thanked Gooch for being an 'outstanding coach' and said that as a coach, Gooch's ability to mentor and develop players has helped England achieve a huge amount in recent years and hoped that the future generations can learn from his passion and dedication to the game.