Smith, who played for Middlesex and Kent, appeared in three Tests for England in 2003. He will join the ECB on October 1 when his one-year term as MCC President ends.

Smith, 48, served as England men’s selector from 2018 to 2021. On his watch, England won the ODI World Cup in 2019, while he also implemented the rest-and-rotation policy that attempted to maintain the wellbeing of England’s players during the Covid pandemic.

In a statement, the ECB said that Smith’s role “will provide scrutiny and challenge, looking at the long-term strategy and governance of the whole game, including performance cricket”.

His appointment comes in the wake of England’s 4-1 defeat in last winter’s Ashes, a tour in which the team’s professionalism was called into question, particularly in light of an incident involving Harry Brook outside a Wellington nightclub in October.

Smith will replace Baroness Zahida Manzoor, who has completed her three-year term.

“I am delighted to be joining the ECB Board,” Smith said. “Having been involved in the England Men’s set up before as National Selector, I am pleased to be able to contribute again to English Cricket, this time as a Non-Executive Director. It is an extremely important period for both the England Men’s and Women’s teams and I am looking forward to working with Richard and the Board.”

Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, added: “Ed brings sharp thinking and a real depth of domestic and international cricketing experience. Alongside his cricket background, he has a strong strategic mindset and an independent voice that will add real value to our Board discussions.

“Our sincere thanks go to Baroness Manzoor for her significant contribution, commitment and deep care shown throughout her three years on the ECB Board.”

England’s women launch the international summer with a white-ball series against New Zealand on May 10, before the men face New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s on June 4.