Australia Bolsters Coaching Team with Andy Flower for WTC Final Against India

London: Former England coach Andy Flower, who currently heads the IPL team Lucknow Super Giants, has joined the Australian camp ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to commence on Wednesday at The Oval. Flower, who coached England from 2009 to 2014, has been brought in as a consultant to bolster the Australian team’s preparations for the crucial encounter with the top-ranked Test side, India. Although Flower is not expected to be present for the start of the Ashes series on June 16 at Edgbaston, he is likely to join the Australian camp at a later stage during the series.

Renowned for his successful tenure as England’s coach, Flower played a pivotal role in guiding the team to three consecutive Ashes victories in the 21st century, including notable wins in 2009 and 2013 on home soil, as well as a remarkable triumph Down Under in 2010-11. His expertise and experience make him a valuable addition to the Australian coaching staff, elevating expectations for Pat Cummins’ side as they aim to become the first Australian team to win an Ashes series in England since 2001.

Cummins expressed his optimism about Flower’s inclusion, highlighting his familiarity with the conditions and his in-depth knowledge of the opposition. Flower’s insights and understanding of English cricket can prove to be advantageous for the Australian team. The Australian captain also mentioned that Flower has previously worked with coach Andrew McDonald, emphasizing the value of bringing in experienced individuals at different stages. The Australian team is fortunate to have someone of Flower’s caliber contributing to their coaching setup.

Flower’s presence in the Australian camp adds further excitement to the WTC final, which marks the first-ever Test match hosted by The Oval in June throughout its 143-year history. The clash between India and Australia is expected to be a highly competitive affair, with both teams vying for the prestigious WTC title.