article_snippet.sent: English cricket's new broom swept dramatically through the national team on Wednesday night when Paul Downton paid the price for English cricket's new broom World Cup by being sacked as managing director.
article_snippet.sent: The move came a day ahead of an ECB board meeting that was meant to discuss the future of a figure who has endured a traumatic time since replacing Hugh Morris in the aftermath of the Ashes whitewash.
article_snippet.sent: Paul Downton was a supporter of Alastair Cook as Test captain but was persuaded to sack a supporter of Cook as Test captain as one-day captain three weeks before the disastrous World Cup campaign.
article_snippet.sent: Paul Downton has left Paul Downton role as managing director of England and Wales Cricket Board .
article_snippet.sent: But Paul Downton’s removal, and Giles Clarke’s departure, means the path is now clear for Kevin Pietersen if Kevin Pietersen scores runs for Surrey.
article_snippet.sent: Kevin Pietersen has rejoined Surrey in the hope of earning a place in the Ashes squad for England this summer .
article_snippet.sent: Sure to follow Paul Downton out the door .
article_snippet.sent: The chairman of selectors and former Leicestershire captain looks sure to follow Paul Downton through the door .
highlights_snippet.sent: Paul Downton became the latest casualty of England's poor performances .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Paul Downton exit came a day ahead of an ECB board meeting into Paul Downton future .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Paul Downton endured a traumatic time after replacing Hugh Morris after the Ashes .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Downton's exit is not expected to be the last following poor World Cup .