Give Andy Flower a break

I have long worried about his workaholic tendencies. He just never stops. His conscientiousness is central to England’s success, but, whilst the players get their breaks, he never does. He dotes upon his family, but he is also incredibly loyal to his close group of friends, the England team, and, indeed, the game of cricket as a whole. Few people I have met in cricket love the game more than Flower. Probably only Duncan Fletcher, actually. Flower sees wider scenarios.

Graham Gooch There were concerns that Gooch belonged to a different era when Flower made him batting coach but England’s record run-scorer was an inspired appointment, drumming into his charges the constant need for ‘daddy’ hundreds and working for hours on end with both top batsmen and tailenders with his ‘dog ball thrower’ gadget.

David Saker Paid his own way from his home in Melbourne for his ECB bowling coach interview in 2010 rather than rely on a video call. The extrovert Australian quickly made his mark by telling Flower he wanted Chris Tremlett in the Ashes squad, then resisted Australia’s efforts to lure him back, saying: ‘They weren’t interested in me before I came to England and I’m not interested in them now.’