Ex-coach Andy Flower leaves England set-up after 12 years to 'pursue other opportunities'

Zinbabwean had overseen Ashes glory, World T20 triumph and rise to No1 ranking in Tests

Former England coach Andy Flower. AFP

Former England coach Andy Flower ended his 12-year long association with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Saturday.

Zimbabwean Flower had coached England to Ashes glory three times between 2009 and 2014. England also reached the No 1 Test rankings during his five-year spell in charge and also lifted the World T20 title in 2010.

Flower, 51, had been coaching England's second-tier Lions team for the last five years but will now leave the ECB. The board's ECB statement said that Flower was leaving "to pursue other opportunities".

"It’s been a real privilege," Flower said in a statement. "The Ashes victory in 2010-11 stands out. It's difficult to win in Australia, and to do it so comprehensively was a really proud moment in my coaching career.

"I will still be based in England and I will continue to watch English cricket very keenly – it has a very bright future."

ECB managing director, Ashley Giles, praised Flower for changing the way England played their cricket.

"Andy moves on with every best wish from all of us at ECB for his outstanding contribution to the English game over the last 12 years," Giles said in a statement.

"It has been a pleasure working with Andy, who sets such high standards of professionalism and preparation for the teams he leads. I have no doubt he will enjoy further success in the years to come." (Reporting by Peter Hall in Manchester; Editing by Ken Ferris)