May 08, 2007	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 20, 1428

LONDON, May 7: England have appointed former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as assistant coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Monday.

Flower, 39, was chosen by new England coach Peter Moores and replaces Matthew Maynard with immediate effect.

“Andy will bring to the support staff a wealth of international experience as well as a clear understanding of the domestic game in England and Wales,” Moores said.

“He has worked at the national academy for the past two seasons as a specialist batting coach and has done an excellent job. I am sure all the players will respond to his style and enjoy working with him.”

Flower played 63 Tests between 1992 and 2002, scoring 4,794 runs at an average of 51.54. He also claimed 160 victims behind the stumps.

He has been with English county Essex since 2002, but was released to assist Moores with the national team. Flower also had stint playing in the Australian domestic league with South Australia in 2003-04.

“From my time working with Peter at the national academy, I know that we shall work very well together,” he said.—Agencies