Andy Flower took England to No.1: Nasser Hussain backs RCB coach to replace McCullum
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to appoint Andy Flower as Brendon McCullum’s successor, saying the former coach’s meticulous approach could help revive the Test side after the end of the Bazball era.
McCullum’s four-year spell as England Test coach came to an end after a disappointing run that culminated in a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. While the New Zealander transformed England’s fortunes after taking charge in 2022 by winning 11 of his first 13 Tests, England lost eight of their final 12 matches, prompting the ECB to seek a new direction.
Hussain believes Flower, who coached England between 2009 and 2014, is the ideal candidate to restore the attention to detail that he feels has been missing in recent years. Under Flower, England won three Ashes series, including the historic 2010-11 triumph in Australia, and climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings.
“If you’re going to keep Rob Key, whose attention to detail is not his strongest suit, then below him you need someone who is absolutely across everything and doesn’t miss a trick,” Hussain told Sky Sports.
“For me, the best person for that would be Andy Flower by a country mile. Flower took England to number one in the world. I love Flower’s approach to coaching. He was meticulous in everything that he did.
“That’s what’s been lacking in this England Test side. I would do anything if I was Rob Key and the ECB to go and get Andy Flower.”
Flower’s return, however, may not be straightforward. The Zimbabwean is currently the head coach of IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and is one of the most sought-after coaches in franchise cricket.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould said the board had not yet approached any candidates, with managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key set to lead the recruitment process following McCullum’s departure.
“We haven’t had any contact with any individuals before we’ve had conversation with Brendon McCullum. Rob Key will now be taking those conversations forward,” Gould said.
Gould also suggested the ECB would be open to appointing a coach who continues to work in franchise cricket, including the IPL.
“I think you’ll find that we need to be progressive in these issues,” Gould said.
“Where we have players trying to balance between county, franchise and international cricket, we may have to do the same with our coaching staff and support staff.
“There may well be some compromises that need to be made along the way, but the important thing is that you have got the best individual who offers the best fit and we get them in those positions. It is something we would certainly consider.”
The ECB is expected to begin its search for a new Test coach in the coming weeks, with Flower emerging as one of the early favourites following Hussain’s strong endorsement.
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