Former Sussex coach Peter Moores today spoke of his pride and excitement after landing the biggest job in English cricket.

Moores has been named as new England coach in succession to Duncan Fletcher. He was given the news in Gambia where he is on holiday.

The 44-year-old led Sussex to their first Championship in 2003 during eight seasons as coach before moving to the National Academy in 2005.

Moores said: "It is an honour to have been appointed and to succeed Duncan Fletcher, who has been an outstanding coach. I have enjoyed my two years at the National Academy and my role with the England teams.

"The challenge of this new role excites me and I look forward to meeting up with the players and to leading England to success in both Test and one-day cricket."

Fletcher will take charge of England for the last time in their final World Cup match against West Indies in Barbados today.

Moores' first task will be to oversee this summer's home Test series against West Indies.

Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody and Bangladesh's Dav Whatmore had also been linked with the post but the ECB say they had long considered Moores as Fletcher's natural successor.

Chief executive David Collier said: "Peter has been identified for some time as a future England coach.

"He is highly respected as an innovative and inspiring coach and is an ideal person to accept this appointment."