Alec Stewart: New part-time Surrey role for ex-England captain

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart will take up a new part-time role at the club from January.

The former England captain, 61, will become the county champions’ high-level cricket advisor for a fixed number of days each year.

He will step down from his position as cricket director in December after 11 years at the helm.

In that time, Surrey has won the County Championship four times and twelve players have gone on to play for England.

The province will not appoint a new director of cricket to replace Stewart, who will work alongside head coach Gareth Batty and captain Rory Burns.

“Everyone knows my love for the club and what it means to me and that is why I am very pleased that the club wanted me to continue in this new role that has emerged,” Stewart told the club website.

“With this new format, I am confident we can continue the success we have seen in Surrey recently.

“I look forward to continuing my working relationship with Gareth, Rory and the team.”

Surrey chairman Oli Slipper added: “We fully understand and accept Alec’s decision to step down as director of cricket at the start of the season, but we always wanted to retain his expertise and impact at Surrey.

“We have had excellent discussions with Alec about a common ground that has worked for both him and the club. I am pleased to say that we have found a role that works for all parties.”