Andy Flower continues to blossom for England - Opinion
The recent success that England has enjoyed is something remarkable if one is to go into retrospect. This was the same side which struggled to keep afloat for the most part of the late 90’s and early 2000s. Then came the Ashes Triumph and then a remarkable
low. Yet since 2007, England’s status as a top notch test match outfit can be attributed to one man only.
Andy Flower’s ability to garner credibility amongst the players and has instilled vigor and tenacity, which are attributes that English cricket was never associated with. To do so, makes him, arguably, the most successful coach of all time. Under his tenure,
the Poms won two Ashes campaigns, became practically unbeatable at home in the fifty over format and are in serious contention for becoming number one for many a decade. What works well for England is that flower continues to blossom in coaching colors and
relishes the opportunity to coach, with zeal. His assertive nature in the dressing room however, typifies a man who himself has been embattled and fought with great tenacity throughout his career.
Flower was Zimbabwe’s best batsman and by far the most astute and shrewd player of his generation. He was a key player in a country which was divided on ethnic lines and with a game that had to bear the brunt of being embroiled in politics. Flower never
complained, yet made his message felt when he wore black bands which denoted ‘the death of democracy in Zimbabwe’, during the 2003 World Cup. In light of all this, he has a staggering career average of 51.54 which means that his achievements as a player can
never be questioned.
The adage of experiences making a man tougher holds true for Flower. It is not surprising that whatever Flower had managed to achieve and bear has had a spillover effect on a team, which ironically, has a similar history to Flower itself. England prior to
succeeding in all three formats today, were a hapless bunch of talented players who could not win anything sufficient. As far as the Ashes went, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 were always favourites and barring the 2005 error, they managed to beat the Poms fair and square. Subcontinent
tours to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 would almost guarantee a series victory for the Asian giants against England. Yet as Flower emerged into the limelight and was given the responsibility to lead the team in 2007, England were not only transformed, but became
the side that others wanted to emulate.
There is no irony to this fact at all. It was after all, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 bowling attack in 2009. Yet, where others begin to sigh over what is impending in a elongated
career, Flower communicated his vision to his new assignment with impressive clarity and thought. His relationship with Captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964, and a strict work ethic transformed England into a side which was formidable, disciplined and boasted an array of
stroke makers and wicket takers.
The aggressive approach that English cricket lacked since the 2005 Ashes Triumph has returned for them in contemporary times and it is remarkable that it came from a man who had to fight many battles both on and off the field.
Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: