Andy Flower to coach England Lions squad
CRICKET: Ex-England team director Andy Flower will coach the
Lions in next month's limited-overs triangular series against New
Zealand 'A' and Sri Lanka 'A'.
Flower became England's technical director of elite coaching
following his resignation in January. He is expected to play a key role
in developing players for the senior team.
James Taylor captains the Lions squad, which includes paceman Steven
Finn who left England's winter tour of Australia early to work on his
technique.
Finn was once regarded as England's best young bowler, but has not
played for his country since the one-day international series against
Australia in September 2013.
Essex's Ravi Bopara and Nottinghamshire's Harry Gurney, who both
played for the senior one-day international side in the recent series
against Sri Lanka, have also been included. Middlesex spinner Ravi Patel
wins his first call-up to the Lions. "With the one-day international
series against India rapidly approaching and next winter's tour to Sri
Lanka and ICC Cricket World Cup also firmly in our sights, this is the
perfect opportunity for these players to impress the selectors in the
50-over format," said selector James Whitaker.
Flower stood down as director of the senior team following England's
disastrous 5-0 defeat in the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia. |