Geoffrey Boycott and Andrew Strauss honoured knighthoods
Image: ECB
|| Desk report ||
Former England captains Geoffrey Boycott and Andrew Strauss have been given knighthoods in ex-Prime Minister Theresa May's resignation honours list.
Boycott, 78, scored 8,114 runs in 108 Tests for England from 1964 to 1982 and was captain on four occasions in 1978 in place of the injured Mike Brearley.
Strauss led England to two Ashes wins, as well as the number one Test ranking, in his 50 Tests as captain.
The 42-year-old scored 7,037 runs at an average of 40.91 in 100 England Tests.
Every departing prime minister can draw up a resignation honours list, which the Cabinet Office has to approve. May showed her love of cricket with the knighthoods for Strauss and Boycott among the 57 people recognised.
'A man worthy of the honour'
Former England coach Andy Flower, who was in charge during Strauss' time as captain, paid tribute to his former skipper.
"I cannot think of a man more worthy of the honour," Flower said.
"As a player he was tough and resilient, as a captain he balanced a firm hand and moral compass with a compassion and empathy that meant he was loved and respected in the dressing room by his players and the staff."
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: "Our heartfelt congratulations go to Sir Geoffrey Boycott - honoured for his long career and passionate dedication to the sport.
"In May 2015, Andrew was invited to join the ECB as director, England cricket, to shape the future strategy of the men's international teams - in part to enable an environment that would see England as live contenders for the World Cup in 2019, an aim they so thrillingly delivered on just a few short months ago.
"It was with the same class and courage that he and his family set up the Ruth Strauss Foundation to raise money and awareness just a few months after losing Ruth to a rare form of cancer.
"Aside from his achievements on and off the pitch, Andrew is widely regarded as an exceptional person in our game and this wonderful accolade will be celebrated around the cricketing world.
