English cricket was today united in grief at the news that Ruth Strauss, wife of the former England captain Andrew, has died as a result of her rare lung cancer.

The Ashes-winning skipper confirmed the news in an ECB statement. “Anyone who has met Ruth will know how loving, caring and passionately protective she was of her family and it gives us huge comfort that she was in Australia, the land of her birth, surrounded by those who love her, in her final moments.

“We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to those that have helped with her treatment over the last 12 months, in particular the wonderful team at University College Hospital in London.”

He confirmed that a foundation in Ruth’s name will be launched in due course, in order to raise “much-needed funds to aid research and also to offer support to patients and their families”.

Strauss stepped down from his role as Director of English Cricket in October after three-and-a-half years in the job, to further care for his wife and family.