Andy Flower wants to become England team director

Former Zimbabwe opener and assistant coach of the England cricket team, Andy Flower, wants to become the new team director and help solve the puzzle of why they cannot win Test matches.

Flower has decided to apply for the job made vacant by the sacking of his friend Peter Moores.

ECB chiefs on Friday launched their quest for the new man by advertising the 300,000 pound-a-year post and upgrading the title from head coach to team director.

If Flower is chosen and he is a serious contender with the backing of captain Andrew Strauss, he will have two immediate tasks.

Analysing why England struggle to bowl out opponents on the final day of matches and deciding whether injury-prone Andrew Flintoff can play in the Indian Premier League at the start of an Ashes summer.

Flintoff will hear the results today of the scan on the suspected torn muscle in his right hip and fears he could be out the rest of the tour.

Flower rejected the title of interim coach on this tour and instead stuck with his role of assistant coach. But it is clear he and Strauss are running team affairs.

"I might apply for the job of team director. I've really enjoyed doing it so far. In my favour, I have my experience as a Test cricketer and the fact I have been involved with these guys now for almost two years," Flower said.

"I believe I can help gel a unit together. The captain and I get on well and I'm pleased with the response I've had from the players," he added.