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Gary Ballance calls for England focus

England batsman Gary Ballance claims that it is important for the team to focus on winning matches rather than off-field controversies at the ECB.

Gary Ballance has urged his England teammates to focus on their upcoming Test series against New Zealand and not get distracted by off-field controversies.

New director of cricket Andrew Strauss recently created a storm by sacking coach Peter Moores for a second time and ruling out a return for Kevin Pietersen.

Despite plenty of drama behind the scenes at the England and Wales Cricket Board, Ballance believes that it is important for the players to channel their energy into winning matches.

"There's a lot gone on in the last few weeks. As players we try to stay away from that and just focus on playing," he told Sky Sports News. "But it's how sport is, we've got to move on from that. There's a few changes now but we've got to concentrate on performing on the field and winning some games."

England and New Zealand start their two-Test series at Lord's on Thursday.

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Joe Root of England celebrates reaching his century during day three of the 2nd Test match between West Indies and England at the National Cricket Stadium in St George's on April 23, 2015
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