Andy Flower leaves England Cricket Board set-up after 12 years

Former England coach Andy Flower has ended his 12-year stay with the England and Wales Cricket Board. Andy Flower was appointed England assistant coach to Peter Moores in 2007 and took over as head coach two years later. The Zimbabwean switched to working with the Lions in 2014 and has opted to step down shortly after Chris Silverwood's appointment as England's new head coach. During his spell as head coach, Flower led England's Test side to number one in the world, victory at the 2010 World Twenty20 and Ashes success in Australia in 2010-11.

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Andy Flower parts ways with ECB

"It's been a real privilege. The Ashes victory in 2010-11 stands out. It's difficult to win in Australia and to do it so comprehensively was a really proud moment in my coaching career," Flower said. "It was wonderful to watch those young men take on that challenge successfully and have a great time doing it. "The win in India in 2012-13 was a highlight too, to overcome some great players in tough spinning conditions was a special victory. "So was the T20 World Cup win in 2010. The way we played our cricket, with such freedom and aggression, really was fun to be part of." 

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Chris Silverwood appointed as new England coach

You have heard that right. After Trevor Bayliss, who had led England to the top spot in the 50-overs format as well as a maiden World Cup triumph had stepped down from the position after the end of this year's Ashes, the 'Three Lions' had to look for a replacement that could take English Cricket to further heights. A lot of high-profile cricketing stars had expressed their interest in coaching the English side but in the end, the role of the head coach was offered to Chris Silverwood. Believe it or not, Silverwood was chosen among the other tough candidates including the likes of India's 2011 World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten, former English wicket-keeper batsman Alec Stewart and ex-Proteas coach Ottis Gibson. As per reports, then  Alec Stewart had pulled out of the race while Kirsten had come up with an "underwhelming" presentation. Meanwhile, Chris Silverwood's first assignment as England's head coach will be against New Zealand in an away series between October to December this year where they will be playing two Tests and five T20Is.

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