LONDON, (Reuters) – Former Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Andy Flower was handed the responsibility of trying to restore England’s reputation and regain the Ashes yesterday after being named as the new team director.
Flower was confirmed as England’s head coach at a news conference at a sun-kissed Lord’s after impressing the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hierarchy during a spell as interim coach on the difficult recent West Indies tour.
The 40-year-old, who played 63 tests for Zimbabwe and was an assistant coach with England for the past two years, replaces Peter Moores who was sacked in January after a breakdown in his relationship with former captain Kevin Pietersen.
“I’m delighted that Andy Flower has accepted the role of team director with immediate effect,” the ECB’s managing director Hugh Morris told reporters.
“As a player Andy became ranked the number one batsman in the world and the ECB believe he has the vision, drive and ambition to be just as successful in his new post.”
Flower said there were lots of big decisions and hard work needed at the start of an English summer that includes a home series against the West Indies starting next month, the Twenty20 World Cup and culminates against arch-rivals Australia.
“At the start of the West Indies tour I didn’t know whether I wanted to apply for this job or not but halfway through I made my mind up that I did,” said Flower, who once wore a black armband while playing for Zimbabwe in protest at the policies of the country’s president Robert Mugabe.
“I’m ambitious for England cricket and very honoured to be given this position. I believe that the last three months will stand me in good stead.”
Morris said there had originally been 30 applicants for the position but declined to say how many of those were interviewed for what is one of the top jobs in world cricket.
“We had a great deal of interest and were happy with the level of candidates but we believe we have the right man for the job. Andy was a world class cricketer and we believe he can become a world class coach.”
Flower will have precious little time to bed in before the serious business begins. He must choose a captain for the Twenty20 World Cup, select the squad for the West Indies series and prepare England for the visit of Australia.
After the damaging fall-out of the Moores-Pietersen saga, however, he at least seems to have a good working relationship with regular England skipper Andrew Strauss, who will not take part in the Twenty20 World Cup.
“The relationship (with the captain) is very important,” Flower said. “You don’t need to get on perfectly or agree, in fact it helps if there is healthy debate.
“I respect Andrew as a very good cricketer and a very good captain so we are starting on the right note.
“It’s not going to be an easy year but it will be a very exciting one. We have a little time to try and get some momentum going for the Ashes.”
England’s test series defeat in the Caribbean means they are languishing in sixth place in the ICC’s test rankings.
