Andy Flower sacked after Ashes debacle

Andy Flower, after much speculation was shown the door after a disastrous Ashes tour combined with a dismal couple of years which has resulted in heavy losses against Pakistan, South Africa and now Australia.

Flower, explaining his reasons for standing down, said in an ECB statement: “Following the recent very disappointing Ashes defeat it is clear to me that this is now time for England cricket, led by (captain) Alastair Cook, to rebuild with a new set of values and goals.

“I do not feel like I am in a position to undertake that challenge.”

In the same statement, ECB managing director Paul Downton said: “We are at advance stages of negotiating a role for Andy within the ECB structure which will best utilise his undoubted skills.”

In December 2012, Flower ceded daily responsibility for the running of England’s one-day teams to former England spinner Ashley Giles, who has been tipped as his eventual successor when it come to coaching the Test side.