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Sports / Cricket

Andy Flower to stay on as England coach

by Moyo Roy
03 May 2011 at 08:41hrs | Views
Andy Flower has signed a new contract to stay on as the England team director.

The 43-year-old former Zimbabwe captain has been in charge of the side since taking over from Peter Moores in January 2009.

During that time he has guided England to successive Ashes series wins over Australia, as well as World Twenty20 success in the Caribbean.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said Flower will remain on a permanent contract and is currently preparing for an international summer that sees England face Sri Lanka, India and Ireland.

Flower said: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to build on the considerable progress we have made to date as a squad and remain fully committed to developing the side and ensuring we are in a position to realise our objective of becoming the No1 side in the world.

"When I was appointed England team director in 2009 I stated that I wanted to create a winning England team and I am very pleased with the advances we have made as a squad over the last two years in all formats of the game. Regaining the Ashes in 2009 and retaining them last winter and the 2010 World Twenty20 title are obvious highlights, but there is still plenty more we want to achieve in the longer term.

"We have made no secret of our determination to become the No1 side in the world and challenge for global titles and I feel we have been making steady progress. I firmly believe we have the talent amongst the playing squad and management team to help us realise our ambitions and am looking forward to testing ourselves against quality opposition this summer and beyond."

The ECB managing director, Hugh Morris, said: "Andy Flower has made a huge impact during his time as England team director and I am delighted that he has committed to the role and will be continuing to build on the considerable progress the England team has made during his time in the position."

"Andy's outstanding leadership, commitment, and his open and honest approach have been key factors in the success the England squad has enjoyed over the last two years and I have no doubt that under his direction we will continue to see England improve as we strive to become the number one side in the world in all formats of the game."


Source - Guardian