Former England captain Nasser Hussain has thrown his weight behind Andy Flower as a potential candidate for the vacant England white-ball head coach position. The former Zimbabwean batter has enjoyed immense success as a coach in recent years, and Hussain believes his experience and expertise make him an ideal fit for the role.
Andy Flower’s evolution
Hussain acknowledged that there might be some resistance to appointing Flower due to his previous stint as England’s coach. However, he emphasized that the former batter has evolved significantly since then.
“Some would view (Flower) as a backward step – ‘never go back, you are going back to a former England coach’ – but I think Andy has moved on. Andy was very anti-franchise and IPL, but that was a very long time ago. Now he has travelled the world, winning for most franchises and doing some really good things,” Hussain told the PA news agency.
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Flower’s proven track record
Flower’s coaching CV boasts an impressive array of achievements. He has led various teams to success, showcasing his ability to adapt to different playing conditions and cultural environments. His experience in the T20 format, particularly in franchise cricket, aligns well with the demands of modern white-ball cricket.
“He is a brilliant coach. You just have to look at his CV and, if Rob Key got Andy Flower’s CV out, there is hardly a better option than that, but again it is if Andy wants to do it. I just look at the best person for the job, simple as that. I’ve worked with Kumar and (he has a) brilliant brain. I’ve played and seen Andy Flower, brilliant player-coach, brilliant man,” he added.
Finding the right candidate
While Hussain is clearly impressed by Flower’s credentials, he also highlighted the importance of finding a coach who is genuinely interested in the role. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has faced challenges in attracting top-quality coaches in the past, and ensuring that the right candidate is not only qualified but also motivated is crucial.
“They are all very good candidates and I repeat the job is not so much finding the candidate, it is finding the candidate that actually wants to do the job,” the Former English captain stated.
As the ECB continues its search for a new white-ball head coach, Andy Flower’s name is likely to be high on the shortlist. His proven track record and ability to adapt to modern cricket make him a compelling candidate.
However, the final decision will ultimately depend on whether he is interested in returning to international cricket and whether the ECB believe he is the best person to lead the England white-ball team to future success.
