Andy Flower has stepped down as England’s head coach following the humiliating defeat his team suffer on their tour Down Under.
Flower handed in his resignation after the 5-0 Ashes drubbing his team received on a tour where they were also convincingly beaten in the ODI and T20 formats.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced his departure on Friday, but added that it wanted to retain his services.
Flower has indicated that he would like to remain a selector in the intern.
“Following the recent very disappointing Ashes defeat it is clear to me that this is now time for England cricket, led by (captain) Alastair Cook, to rebuild…I do not feel like I am in a position to undertake that challenge,” Flower said in a statement released by the ECB.
“I will remain in my position as a selector for the time being and am currently exploring possible roles within the ECB.”
Paul Downton, managing director of the ECB, revealed that the governing body is seeking a new role for Flower who, during his tenure, guided England to Ashes series victories as well as a World Twenty20 title in 2010.
That piece of ICC silverware was the first England had secured in a major limited overs competition.
Flower was also lauded for helping England reach the summit of the world Test rankings in 2011.
“We are at advance stages of negotiating a role for Andy within the ECB structure which will best utilise his undoubted skills,” said Downton.
“Andy has been the most successful coach in England’s history and we at the ECB are very disappointed to see him leave the role as Team Director,” Downton added.
“We respect his decision…but we are keen to keep Andy’s experience and outstanding knowledge within the ECB.”
