LONDON: Former England coach Andy Flower said on Saturday that he was stepping down from working with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after 12 years.
The Zimbabwean coached England to Ashes glory three times between 2009 and 2014 during his five-year spell in charge.
Flower, 51, was appointed England assistant coach to Peter Moores in 2007 and took over as head coach two years later.
He switched to working with the Lions in 2014 and has opted to step down shortly after Chris Silverwood’s appointment as England’s new head coach this week.
During his spell as head coach, Flower led England’s Test side to number one in the world, victory at the 2010 World Twenty20 and Ashes success in Australia in 2010-11.
“It’s been a real privilege. The Ashes victory in 2010-11 stands out. It’s difficult to win in Australia and to do it so comprehensively was a really proud moment in my coaching career,” Flower said. “It was wonderful to watch those young men take on that challenge successfully.
“The win in India in 2012-13 was a highlight too, to overcome some great players in tough spinning conditions was a special victory.
“So was the T20 World Cup win in 2010. The way we played our cricket, with such freedom and aggression, really was fun to be part of.
“I will still be based in England and I will continue to watch English cricket very keenly — it has a very bright future.”
ECB managing director, Ashley Giles, praised the work Flower had done during his time in England.
“Andy moves on with every best wish from all of us at ECB for his outstanding contribution to the English game over the last 12 years,” Giles said. “It has been a pleasure working with Andy, who sets such high standards of professionalism and preparation for the teams he leads. I have no doubt he will enjoy further success in the years to come.”
Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2019
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