Making the case for Andy Flower

The England press has been mightily impressed by the performance of former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as the interim coach during the Caribbean trip. Michael Atherton writes in the Times that Flower has all the necessary ingredients to be a successful full-time coach for England, including the backing of Kevin Pietersen.

Flower will have the advantage of Andrew Strauss's good favour - the bond between captain and stand-in coach was obviously strong throughout the tour - a key consideration after the Moores-Kevin Pietersen fallout. Pietersen, too, has spoken publicly in favour of Flower, which is some turnaround from two months ago, when Pietersen wanted him out.

It's a view shared by the Guardian's Mike Selvey.

"It has been instructive watching Flower grow into the role, to witness at first hand the close working relationship with Andrew Strauss, and the mutual admiration they share, and the respect he has gained across the board, even from those who might before the tour have been regarded as potential dissidents."