New England men's cricket managing director Rob Key will take charge of a "High Performance Review" after a disappointing year ©Getty Images

Rob Key has begun his first week as England men's cricket managing director, with the task of finding a new Test match captain set to be one of his first tasks.

"Although at this current moment it has been a challenging time in English cricket, I also think it's as exciting a time as I can remember," Key said.

"I hope to try and bring everyone along for the ride so we can all help take English men’s cricket to new heights across all formats."

Former batsman Key was chosen for the role after what the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described as "a rigorous recruitment process."

He takes over from former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss, who had returned to the role on an interim basis following the sacking of Ashley Giles in February after England’s 4-0 defeat against Australia during the southern hemisphere's winter.

Rob Key, right, has given up his television job with Sky Sports to take on the England role ©Getty Images
Rob Key, right, has given up his television job with Sky Sports to take on the England role ©Getty Images

Test captain Joe Root also stood down from his role last Friday (April 15), after a year in which England slipped to fifth in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings.

In the last year they had lost Test series to India, New Zealand, Australia and the West Indies and were beaten by New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Key will be responsible for "the strategy behind the England men’s teams and the performance pathways leading into them," an ECB statement said.

"He will also take a key role as part of the 'High Performance Review' which will shortly begin."

England begin their Test summer with a home series against ICC World Test Championship winners New Zealand in early June.

Key played 15 Test matches for England and captained Kent in a playing career which spanned 17 years.

He was named as one of the cricketers of the year by the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack in 2005.

After retiring, Key joined the commentary team for Sky Sports and was also a columnist for the Evening Standard newspaper in London.

Rob Key captained Kent and played 15 Test matches for England during a successful playing career ©Getty Images
Rob Key captained Kent and played 15 Test matches for England during a successful playing career ©Getty Images

Many believe his experience in the media will be a valuable asset in this new role.

"Rob stood out in a very competitive field," ECB managing director Tom Harrison said.

"His passion and knowledge of the game at domestic and international level is outstanding," Harrison added.

"He is a proven leader and combines an approachable nature with fresh original thinking and resilience which will stand him in good stead."