Online Reporter
FORMER India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has poured cold water on speculation linking Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower with the vacant England Test cricket coaching role, insisting the Zimbabwean’s packed coaching commitments and existing IPL contract make such a move highly unlikely.
While the England and Wales Cricket Board are yet to announce Brendon McCullum’s successor following his departure after the 1-2 home Test series defeat to New Zealand last month, Flower has emerged as one of the leading candidates.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has also publicly backed Flower, citing his impressive record during his previous stint in charge of the national side.
However, Karthik, who worked closely with Flower during RCB’s maiden IPL title-winning campaign earlier this year, believes the 57-year-old is unlikely to leave Bengaluru.
“In all seriousness, I think he’ll be a great candidate,” Karthik said on Sky Sports.
“He definitely should be one of the names thought of, but I would be very surprised if he took it, considering where England are and his packed schedule as well.” Recent reports have suggested that the ECB could allow Flower to continue fulfilling his IPL commitments if he is appointed Test coach.
But Karthik questioned how practical such an arrangement would be, especially with the growing overlap between franchise and international cricket. — hindustantimes.com
