Andrew Strauss will captain England on their tour of the West Indies after Kevin Pietersen resigned from the position on a day of total chaos for English cricket.

Peter Moores, the head coach, was also sacked after the ECB admitted there had been an “irretrievable breakdown” in the relationship between captain and coach.

The ECB revealed there had been a split in the dressing-room caused by the row between the pair, with Pietersen receiving less than the total support from team-mates that he had been expecting.

Hugh Morris, the England managing director, said: “The England and Wales Cricket Board have late this afternoon accepted, with regret, the resignation of Kevin Pietersen as England captain.

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Former England players give their reaction to the rumours that Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores have both resigned

• Mike Atherton: Ashes series now depends on Kevin Pietersen's reaction

• The highs and lows of Kevin Pietersen's career

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“Kevin recognised that in the present situation it was impossible to restore the dressing-room unity, which is vital, if England are to win the forthcoming tour to the Caribbean, the ICC global events or regain the Ashes in the npower Ashes Test series.

“Kevin Pietersen is highly valued as a senior and experienced player and we are delighted that he has indicated he wishes to continue to represent England in all their forthcoming international fixtures, starting in the Caribbean later this month.”

Morris added: “I have an extremely high respect and regard for Kevin Pietersen but this has become an impossible situation given the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship between captain and coach.

“With regard to Peter Moores, the board determined that he should relinquish his role as England team director.

“I have the greatest respect for the dignity which Peter Moores has shown in recent days when he has found himself under extreme pressure. The ECB wish him well in his future roles.

“I would also like to thank him for his contribution as England team director and his work as National Academy director.

“Andrew Strauss has agreed to lead the team to the Caribbean. He led the England team with distinction in 2006 when Michael Vaughan was injured.

“The board will announce the coaching set-up for the Caribbean tour as soon as possible and will embark on an immediate search for a coach who can provide England with the best chance of success in the coming years.”