CRIKET: England Coach Will Not Quit Despite Huge Defeat

England coach Andy Flower says he "can't be any clearer" about his desire to continue in the job despite his side's 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia.

England lost by 281 runs inside three days in Sydney to complete one of their most humiliating overseas tours.

Flower, who took over as England boss in 2009, said: "I'm very passionate about English cricket.

"[Captain] Alastair Cook and I are very determined to ensure we get things heading in the right direction again."

England rose to number one in the world Test rankings in August 2011 and completed their third consecutive Ashes series victory with a 3-0 home win over Australia in the summer of 2013.


But despite arriving down under as favourites, they were heavily beaten in all five Tests in Australia and have now slipped to fourth  in the rankings.

A two-Test series against Sri Lanka begins at Lord's on 12 June, with world number two side India arriving for five Tests a month later, and Flower is keen for England's five-day side to learn lessons from their humiliation in Australia.

"This will be the start of something new. Out of adversity some good must come and a renewal of sorts will be good for English cricket, it will be exciting for English cricket.

"We're not sure exactly what that renewal will look like right at this moment but we need wise people to make good decisions and get the right people on board, both on the playing staff and the support staff, and get things heading in the right direction again."

England's abject displays have prompted questions about the futures of Flower, 45, and captain Cook.

Asked if the performances of his team in Australia had made him angry, Flower said: "Yes and I'm glad Alastair is as well. I don't feel proud of what has happened in this Test series.

"I am proud of my involvement over the last few years. It's important that we review this logically and look at the mistakes we have made."

Since succeeding Peter Moores as England coach in 2009, Flower has overseen three Ashes series victories, the 2010 Twenty20 World Cup win, a 4-0 home series win over India that put England to the top of the world Test rankings and the first away series win in India for 28 years.

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier has offered his full support for both Flower and Cook, but formal talks between Collier, new England managing director Paul Downton and Flower are due to take place.

"It's good to have their [the England and Wales Cricket Board's] support, it's good to get our heads together and look at mistakes," Flower added.

"There is a lot of development to do, the sooner we get started the better. We will have to take more pain before we have sustained success again.

"There are not many Tests between now and the next Ashes series [in 2015], but we have a little time to think what we're doing with the Test side. There is time to get on top of it."

Meanwhile, Warwickshire's Chris Woakes has been called up to England's squad for the limited overs series against Australia.

The 24-year-old all-rounder has played 13 one-day internationals and four T20 matches.

In his ODI he took 6-45 against Australia in Brisbane but has taken only eight wickets in 11 matches since.

Cook will lead England in five ODIs, with the first taking place in Melbourne next Sunday, followed by three T20 encounters.

England will be coached by former left-arm spinner Ashley Giles for the limited overs series, and Flower says Australia's momentum from the Ashes will pose a stern test over the course of the the forthcoming matches.

"It's a huge challenge for Ash and Alastair. The Australians are very confident and to a large extent we've allowed that to develop, and it will be a tough task for both of them to turn this ship around."