Brian Murgatroyd, Media Relations Officer for the England Team, is leaving the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to become the Australian Cricket Board's (ACB) Media Manager.

Murgatroyd, who joined the ECB in July 1997 as the first press officer to work with Team England, will leave at the end of August and take up his post with the ACB the following month.

Brian accompanied the England Team on tours of Lahore and Sharjah (1997 & 1999), the West Indies (1998), Bangladesh for the Wills International Cup (1998) and Australia (1998/9).

Tim Lamb, Chief Executive of the ECB, said: ``Brian has done an excellent job in difficult circumstances. He has won the respect of the Media, the players and the England Team Management and has shown a tremendous commitment to the game. We wish him well in his new career.''

Richard Peel, Director of Corporate Affairs, added: ``Murgers is a true professional. He is conscientious and hard working and has a breathtaking statistical knowledge. He'll be sadly missed.''

Brian Murgatroyd said: ``Working for the ECB and with the England team has been an immensely enjoyable and challenging experience, but the opportunity to confront a fresh challenge has now come along and after much thought I have decided it is the right move for me.

``I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the players, administrators, staff at the ECB and media I have worked with over the past two years for their co-operation, help and support in fulfilling my role.''

The ECB will seek a replacement for Brian Murgatroyd over the coming weeks.

For further information, please contact:

ECB Corporate Affairs on 0171 432 1200.