Ramprakash released from England contract

Mark Ramprakash is set for an early release from his England and Wales Cricket Board contract in order to explore other career opportunities, the governing body has announced.

Ramprakash revealed earlier this year he had been stood down from his role as Test batting coach for this summer's Ashes series, with former England and Surrey teammate Graham Thorpe expected to step into the breach.

The 49-year-old former England batsman had held the position since November 2014 but he will bring an end to his time at the ECB in June.

England's Test batting came under increasing scrutiny towards the end of Ramprakash's tenure following a series of collapses and low scores, prompting director of cricket Ashley Giles to change the set-up.