India-England series not only about spin, says Andy Flower | Cricket News

DUBAI: Among those who know the England team pretty well is Andy Flower. After all, the former Zimbabwe cricketer had coached the team from 2009 to 2014. He still follows their fortunes and feels the upcoming Test series between India and England will be a fascinating one.
Though spinners play an important role on India wickets, Flower believes the Indian pace attack can also be very lethal.

“I am really looking forward to the series since I have enjoyed watching the attacking cricket that England have been playing. It’s going to be exciting. But firstly, I would say don’t dismiss the Indian seamers and their attacking prowess because they are genuinely outstanding performers. They can pick up 20 wickets. It’s not only about the spin contest,” Flower, who is the coach of Gulf Giants, the defending champions of the ongoing DP World ILT20 League, said.

“I would be surprised if India don’t win the series because they are so good in home conditions and they have all the bases covered,” added the 55-year-old Flower.
After his assignment in the UAE, Flower has a more challenging job on hand as coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are yet to win the IPL.
“I am really looking forward to my stint with the RCB. It’s an exciting opportunity for me to see if we can do anything special with RCB,” he said.

With the emergence of franchise leagues around the world, the cricket calendar has become extremely cramped, and the former Zimbabwe captain feels the governing body should try to find the right balance.
“I have been involved in franchise cricket for nearly five years now and it’s been an interesting journey for me personally and professionally as well. It’s different than coaching a national side. But how the ICC balances international cricket and franchise leagues over the coming years is going to be interesting,” said Flower.