Australia rope in Andy Flower as backroom staff ahead of ICC WTC final & Ashes 2023

Former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower has joined Australia's coaching staff ahead of the two big tournaments.

Australia are aiming to achieve a significant feat this summer by becoming the first team since England in 2010-11 to win an away Ashes series. To bolster their chances, they have made a strategic move by adding Andy Flower, the mastermind behind England's success during that period, to their coaching staff.

Cummins Welcomes Flower's Expertise

Andy Flower, a coach who has led England to three Ashes victories, has joined the Australia as a consultant ahead of the World Test Championship final at The Oval this week.

Pat Cummins, the captain of the Australian team, expressed gratitude for having someone as experienced as Andy Flower in their camp. He acknowledged the value of Flower's expertise as Australia prepares for a hectic two-month period in the UK, which will include six Test matches within a span of eight weeks.

"[He brings] experience over here, first of all," Cummins said, "and knows these conditions really well. Hopefully he knows the opposition, so if he can give us one little bit of insight into playing in England that we haven't thought about then it's worth it.

"I think Andrew [McDonald] has worked with him quite a bit, and you've seen us over the years bring in different people at different times. We're pretty lucky to have someone as experienced as Andy."

Flower to Rejoin Team Later in Ashes Series

However, it is understood that Flower will not be involved in the preparations leading up to the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on June 16. However, there are indications that he will rejoin the team during the later stages of the Ashes, most likely before the third Test at Headingley commences on July 6.

Flower's Coaching Career

During Flower's tenure as England's coach from 2009 to 2014, he led the team in four Ashes series. He achieved success in his first three series in 2009, 2010-11, and 2013. However, he stepped down after England's whitewash defeat in Australia in 2013-14.

Following his stint with England, Flower spent five years working with the ECB's development programs, particularly overseeing the England Lions setup. Subsequently, he ventured into a successful career as a head coach in various franchise leagues worldwide.

Flower Still on ECB Payroll

Notably, Flower coached the Trent Rockets to the title in the inaugural season of The Hundred last summer. Interestingly, due to the central management structure of The Hundred teams, Flower's contract with the Rockets means that he is still on the ECB's payroll.