http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 Head Coach Andy Flower - One of the best in the business - Opinion
England's road to supremacy has been a success story which can be attributed to several factors.
When a team wants to achieve its zenith, it certainly has to make sure that all ingredients are in place, and then to top things of, should have someone who uses those key elements with such effects, bringing the best out of everyone.
Coaches http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gary-Kirsten-c58527 certainly played the role of such figures and proved themselves to be above all.
One cannot dispute their pedigree as two left-handers who performed to the best of their abilities when playing for their countries.
However, it is making the right strides at the right moment that separates the duo from the rest, and which led them to earn respect from their peers and pals.
If one closely follows the reign of, Andy Flower, England were in one of their most difficult phases, with internal disputes surfacing between the then Poms Head Coach, Peter http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KP-Pietersen-c1806.
He first was appointed as Assistant Coach in 2007, but in two years time he managed to take over the hot seat.
He ensured that England have a long term goal, a vision much bigger than just claiming the Ashes title. Having a Test Average of 50, he still wanted a separate batting coach, so that he remained fully focused on his priorities.
His relationship with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964 was a professional bond between two, who would sacrifice anything to guide the team out of obscurity. Together they ensured that everyone fully catered to his own responsibilities, and consistency should be the norm.
Slowly and gradually, after a humiliation in Caribbean, the team started to gel and perform ably.
The first notable moment of success came when the team outplayed the Australians to claim the Ashes in 2009 by a margin of 2-1. The win in the final test match at Oval by 197 runs, marked Flower’s name in English history.
That was however just the beginning, as the team drew a tough series in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in the final.
A series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 followed, which the team won comfortably 3-1. It was not just winning, but the intensity at which the team performed its duties, was a thing of note.
By now, they had the strongest and soundest top 6 in World Cricket, including http://www.senore.com/Cricket/IR-Bell-c1597.
Adding to that, they had a formidable bowling line-up comprising of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SCJ-Broad-c2465. Flower gave them the belief, which motivated the troops in delivering best for the national team. He also ensured that International cricket was more important
than other money bound tournaments such as the Indian Premier League.
A special triumphant moment arrived when the team outplayed the Aussies on their backyard, inflicting three innings defeat to reclaim the Ashes title.
It was yet another milestone for the head coach, but he remained humble, yet strong, knowing that the main task for them will be to claim the No.1 Test spot.
The obvious happened as the team demolished the Indians 4-0, with Swann’s six-for on the final day at Oval, ensured that everyone played a crucial part in the side’s surge to supremacy.
Now it will be limited overs dominancy, which will the main agenda on the horizon and one, must say that the odds are firmly in favour of the Zimbabwean, to deliver a final blow.
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