LONDON — England appointed former captain Andrew Strauss as its new director of cricket Saturday and announced the departure of head coach Peter Moores less than an hour later in a bid to restore the fortunes of the troubled national team. Strauss, one of the country's most successful captains, was empowered to decide the long-term strategy of English cricket and his first decision was to end Moores' second spell as coach after a year in charge. “At the moment it's difficult to put into words how I feel except to say how disappointed I am in the way my term as England coach has ended,” Moores said in a statement. “I knew when I took on the role that this was going to be a tough period for English cricket and I would need time and support to get new players through. My frustration is not being given that time.” Paul Farbrace, England's current assistant coach, will take charge of the team for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting May 21. England also hosts Australia in a five-Test Ashes series this summer. Delhi eliminated Delhi Daredevils (DD) were eliminated from Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015, after losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six runs at Raipur Saturday. Chasing 164 to win, the Daredevils finished on a score of 157-4. Brief scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 163-4 (M. Henriques 74 not out, E. Morgan 22; N. Coulter-Nile 2-25). Delhi Daredevils 157-4 (De Kock 50, K. Jadhav 63 not out; K. Sharma 2-12). Earlier, Andre Russell‘s quickfire 51 helped defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) beat runners-up, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Brief scores: Kings XI Punjab 183-5 (M. Vohra 39, G. Maxwell 43; S. Narine 4-19). Kolkata Knight Riders 184-9 in 19.5 overs (A. Russell 51; A. Singh 2-57). Watling steadies Kiwis Stand-in captain BJ Watling's unbeaten fifty helped a weakened New Zealand side to 202 for seven on the first day of their opening tour match against Somerset at Taunton Friday. New Zealand only currently has 11 fit players at its disposal with six of its squad at the Twenty20 Indian Premier League including captain Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Matt Henry. — Agencies
