Andy Flower, the former England head coach, has left the England and Wales Cricket Board after 12 years working in numerous coaching roles for the national governing body.
Flower was named England men’s assistant coach in 2007 and took on the role of head coach in 2009. Under his reign England won the 2010 World T20 and climbed to the top of the Test rankings in 2011.
He stepped down as head coach in 2014 and has coached England Lions since. Flower is now to take some time away from the game. “I haven’t had a sustained break for quite a long time,” he said.
Recalling his time at the ECB, Flower highlighted England’s Ashes series win in Australia in 2010/11 as a standout moment and also mentioned the Test series win over India in 2012. The England side Flower coached is the only away team to have won a Test series in India this decade.
[caption id=”attachment_123717″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″]
Flower helped England climb to the top of the Test rankings in 2011[/caption]
“The Ashes victory in 2010/11 stands out,” Flower said. “It’s difficult to win in Australia and to do it so comprehensively was a really proud moment in my coaching career. It was wonderful to watch those young men take on that challenge successfully and have a great time doing it.
“The win in India in 2012/13 was a highlight too, to overcome some great players in tough spinning conditions was a special victory.”
His high point as head coach in white-ball cricket came with World T20 success in 2010, as England’s men lifted a major white-ball trophy for the first time. “The way we played our cricket, with such freedom and aggression, really was fun to be part of,” Flower said of that campaign.
“I’d like to thank the captains I worked with longest, Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss, for their commitment and friendship over the years,” Flower added.
[breakout id=”1″][/breakout]
“It’s been a privilege to work with all the players. Sometimes, in high-pressure environments, as a coach and a mentor you hold a very responsible position.
“You end up sharing some really intimate moments – over a beer in the dressing room, working hard together in the nets, or listening to a personal problem and helping them work through that – and it’s a privilege to be able to contribute and influence these young guys’ lives.”
The former Zimbabwe batsman also sent his good wishes to new head coach Chris Silverwood and Mo Babat, who was named performance director of men’s cricket earlier this week.
“I’m really happy for Chris that he’s getting the chance to lead England and I think he’s going to do a great job,” Flower said. “I also want to wish Mo Bobat, the new performance director, all the best in his new role.”
[breakout id=”0″][/breakout]
Ashley Giles, managing director of England’s men’s cricket said: “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.
“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.”
