22/06/2019
Andy Flower was for a long time Zimbabwe's only batsman of true Test quality in all conditions.He was a deep and innovative thinker of the game.I personally feel he was not only one of the finest batsmen Zimbabwe has ever produced but also one of the very best the world has ever seen.The key to success is to be skillful, but, it is equally important to hone the skill and be able to perform well.He also enjoyed a successful stint as a coach.He was appointed as England's assistant coach in 2007 replacing Matthew Maynard. He successfully led England to Ashes victory in July–August 2013 winning the test series 3–0.A major blip in his coaching career was the 5–0 drubbing by Australia in November–January 2013 – 2014 Ashes series. On 31 January 2014, Flower stepped down as head coach, a position he had held for five years.
RETIREMENT FROM INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT
The wicket keeper batsman's impending retirement has been an open secret, but Zimbabwe's highest run-scorer in both Test and one-day cricket has fought shy of confirming it himself.There were numerous reasons for Andy's retirement but the political scenario in Zimbabwe was certainly a part of that decision.His disappointment towards the political climate in Zimbabwe was clearly evident when he along with his teammate Henry Olaga took the field for Zimbabwe's opening World cup match against Namibia in 2003 wearing black armbands to mourn the death of democracy in Zimbabwe.
What a sad end to a wonderful career.He could have played for Zimbabwe for another decade had he not be a part of dirty politics.Future of Zimbabwean cricket is very closely linked to the future of the country. None of us know how that's going to turn out.
"I think there are parallels between the state of our country and the state of our cricket. If our leaders make some good decision or if there are positive changes in the leadership of our country there may well be a positive outcome for Zimbabwean cricket."
"If the country keeps sliding away the direction of a lot of African dictatorships and deteriorates generally, then I think our cricket might go the same way. That is a serious risk" Flower said.