LONDON: Michael Atherton has backed Andy Flower as the ideal replacement for Matthew Mott as England’s white-ball head coach.
Flower had earlier led England to the top of the Test rankings and their first T20 World Cup victory
“No man steps into the same river twice,” wrote Michael Atherton in a column for The Times. “In sport or in life there is rarely any point in retracing your steps, but I wonder if Andy Flower could be persuaded to dip his toes back into the water with England? He is undoubtedly an excellent candidate to replace Matthew Mott.”
The ECB recently announced Mott’s departure as white-ball head coach, with Jonathan Trott, Mike Hussey and interim head coach Marcus Trescothick among the main candidates to succeed him, while Flower is seen as a less likely option.
Atherton suggests that Flower’s success in franchise cricket, such as with Multan Sultans and Trent Rockets, will prepare him well for the role.
Despite previous criticism of Flower’s intensity, Atherton notes that he may have toned down since then and gained valuable experience.
“The flower has also changed,” Atherton wrote. “They say he’s mellowed a bit in his approach. Maybe it’s because of age; maybe it’s because of the strength the players have now. They have a lot more options than when Flower was involved with England; the IPL started.
“He’s much more experienced than he was then; perhaps more able to change his approach to the demands of the different jobs he holds. Franchise roles require coaches to think short-term rather than the developmental long-term role he holds.” This variety of roles broadened his experience and his exposure.”
Flower’s current role as IPL coach with RCB could complicate negotiations, but Atherton argues for the flexibility to manage both roles effectively.
“Would Flower be interested? Could he be convinced? International jobs are not in demand as they were and the IPL where Flower is coaching RCB could be an obstacle,” Atherton wrote. There is no international cricket during the IPL window and coaching in the IPL can only benefit from watching trends and players as they emerge. Some degree of flexibility seems the most likely way.” securing a top coach.”
