Zimbabwe Seek New Captain (3 Jul 1996)

3 July 1996

Zimbabwe seek new captain

By Geoffrey Dean

ANDY FLOWER, who was expected to lead Zimbabwe in their two Tests against England in December, has resigned from the captaincy after three years in the job. A successor has yet to be appointed.

Flower, who married an English girl last month and is spending the summer coaching at Epsom, said he found the demands of captaincy, batting in the top five and keeping wicket too much.

"Having to do all three jobs was one reason for my decision, although there are others," said Flower. "I want to enjoy my cricket more and not be burnt out at an early age. But some time in the future, I would be happy to take over as captain again."

Flower, 28, has a key role to play for Zimbabwe as a batsman of genuine international pedigree. Having batted mostly at No 5, he will now be free to move up to three, a problem

The favourite to succeed Flower - at least against England - is his predecessor, Davy Houghton, the Worcester coach who has expressed his willingness to do the job again. He is, however, unavailable for the tour to Sri Lanka in August and September owing to his county commitments. Andy Waller, another experienced player, is likely to be appointed as caretaker captain.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)