Andy Flower quits as England team director following Ashes whitewash

Andy Flower has opted to stand down as England team director following their humiliating 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia.

Flower, who played 63 Tests and 213 ODIs for Zimbabwe over 11 years, began working with the national side in 2007 when he appointed assistant coach to Peter Moores.

This has been a very difficult decision to make and I remain committed to England cricket

Andy Flower

In 2009, the Zimbabwean was appointed England team director and during Flower’s five-year tenure England won three Ashes series, as well as winning a Test series in India for the first time in 27 years.

England also claimed their first global title in 2010 when the team won the ICC World T20 in West Indies. But the 45-year-old feels it is time to start with a “clean slate” following a disastrous tour.

Flower said: “Following the recent very disappointing Ashes defeat it is clear to me that this is now time for England cricket, led by Alastair Cook, to rebuild with a new set of values and goals.

“The opportunity to start with a clean slate and begin to instil methods to ensure England cricket is moving in the right direction will be an incredibly exciting challenge for someone but I do not feel like I am in a position to undertake that challenge.

“In order for England cricket to make significant progress I believe that the Team Director, together with the respective captains, needs to be responsible across all formats in order to positively influence the rebuilding process.

“This will ensure complete clarity and continuity across the squads and having stepped aside from the limited overs squads 14 months ago that is not something I am able to do and I do not therefore feel that starting the process would be in the best interests of all involved at what is a pivotal time for England cricket.

“This has been a very difficult decision to make and I remain committed to England cricket and would like to wish Alastair Cook and Paul Downton every success.”

Flower continued: “I will remain in my position as a selector for the time being and am currently exploring possible roles within the ECB. The priority must now be to establish the direction and personnel needed to ensure England cricket moves forward.”