Ben Langley to replace Kirk Russell as England physio

England's physiotherapist, Kirk Russell, has stood down after nine years in the job and will be replaced by Ben Langley at the end of the Ashes series.

Russell was involved in England's two recent Ashes successes, in 2005 and 2009, as well as this year's World Twenty20 win in the Caribbean. He has decided to move on before the 50-over World Cup, however, and Langley, who had the physio job at Worcestershire, will join the side for the one-day series that follows the Ashes.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make but after nine years with England I feel now is the right time for me to move on and seek a fresh challenge in my career," said Russell. "I feel very privileged and grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with the England team and would like to thank all the players, the coaches and in particular, my colleagues within the England medical staff, for their support."

Hugh Morris, the ECB managing director of cricket, said Russell had been a crucial member of England's backroom staff and will be missed. "Kirk has been an integral part of the England backroom staff for many years and I know how much he will be missed by all the players and management. His knowledge and experience has been invaluable and he can feel justifiably proud of the contribution he has made to ensuring that our prevention and treatment of injuries is second to none."