Andy Flower sacked

[KipperJohn]

To speculate about what has gone on behind the scenes is pretty pointless really, although it will fill many column inches. The fact is Flower is no longer team director but remains within the ECB set-up. These intrigues happen every time there is a major failure in sport or business. All we will ever eventually know is who comes and who goes.

It is the end of an era and, for what it's worth, has been the best in terms of results (up until recently) that I can recall for a very long time. For that we should be grateful both to Flower and the players and staff involved.

Flower was a fine player and, if I may say so, a pretty dignified and outwardly calm and firm coach. There have been several summaries about his reign on here which are worth reading - we might not all agree but his teams achievements over the bulk of his tenure probably exceeded most people's expectations.

[GarlicJam]

When will they put Botham in charge of the whole lot?

(irony alert)

The irony is that you felt the need for the alert.

[GarlicJam]

Assuming that Cook is to retained as test skipper, as seems likely, I reckon that Flower's departure is the best thing for him.

He came into the role As Flower's man and has been under his shadow/influence during this time. Regardless how it is supposed to be, I am sure that Flower has had more influence over Cook than his successor will.

Now is the time for Cook to put HIS stamp on the team, and maybe get some players in that he wants.

[Durhamfootman]

Gooch and Saker's roles have to be very shaky too.

As untenable as Flower's, I'd have thought.

Both failed to prepare their charges adequately, and both were unable to change things once they went wrong.

[Durhamfootman]

I have nothing against Andy Flower. He has been very good for England for much of his tenure... in terms of results, at least, and England supporters ought to be able to acknowledge that, and appreciate it.

Sadly everything has a shelf life and Flower came to the end of his. As head coach the buck has to stop with him. It would have been absolutely ludicrous for him to have overseen the most catastrophic Australia tour in modern times, and kept his job at the end of it. He was ultimately culpable.

Some of his reported 'demands', in the immediate aftermath of a whitewash, would have been alarming at any time, but to have issued ultimatums from his wholly weakened position was absurd. Maybe even deluded


Head coach gone
Batting and bowling coaches next

selectors want to keep their heads down for a bit, because their turn will be coming soon

[Arthur Crabtree]

Flower is a selector. Still.

[meninblue]

Who are the candidates as his replacement.

[from_the_stands]

Who are the candidates as his replacement.

Mickey Arthur.

[from_the_stands]

In all seriousness, I'd say that Ashley Giles was the favourite, but I wouldn't rule out the likes of Gary Kirsten, or even John Buchanan. A dark horse could be Tom Moody.

[meninblue]

Who are the candidates as his replacement.

Mickey Arthur.

Only if he does not gives homework

[from_the_stands]

Who are the candidates as his replacement.

Mickey Arthur.

Only if he does not gives homework

In the UK, it will be coursework, a series of 4 essays of around 1000 words each, with drafts enclosed, to show that the players thought about ways to improve their work.

[meninblue]

Who are the candidates as his replacement.

Mickey Arthur.

Only if he does not gives homework

In the UK, it will be coursework, a series of 4 essays of around 1000 words each, with drafts enclosed, to show that the players thought about ways to improve their work.

Which language is the courseware in . English, Irish, Zulu, Dutch or Gujarati language

Jokes apart, they have to find a replacement soon. Some time will be wasted in understanding the players, designing customized training for different players , trying to give solutions to the existing technical issues of players and practicing same enough in nets before next test series.

[Dilbert]

Maybe KP will take up a triple role of Coach, Captain and best batsman?

[mikesiva]

Who are the candidates as his replacement.

Mickey Arthur.

Only if he does not gives homework

In the UK, it will be coursework, a series of 4 essays of around 1000 words each, with drafts enclosed, to show that the players thought about ways to improve their work.

Which language is the courseware in . English, Irish, Zulu, Dutch or Gujarati language

You forgot Afrikaans....

[Aidan11]

It's going to be Giles.

Just when you thought English cricket couldn't get any lower.