Andy Flower appointed as Moores' deputy

London, May 7 (UNI) The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed former Zimbabwe wicket-keeper batsman Andy Flower as the national team's assistant coach replacing Matthew Maynard with immediate effect.

The decsion was taken after Maynard and the Board mutually agreed that this was the right time for the former English all-rounder to move on to a new challenge which would enable the newly-appointed coach Peter Moores to select his own assistant.

While announcing the decision, ECB chief executive David Collier said, ''The Board was also delighted to support Peter's selection of Andy Flower as his assistant and we wish to thank Essex county cricket club for providing ECB with their approval to approach and agree terms with Andy in time for the 1st npower Test Match versus the West Indies.'' Moores expressed delight to have the former Zimbabwean captain as his assistant, saying, ''Andy will bring to the support staff a wealth of international experience as well as a clear understanding of the domestic game in England and Wales.'' ''He has worked at the national academy for the past two seasons as a specialist batting coach and has done an excellent job. I am sure all the players will respond to his style and enjoy working with him.

''It was great news for me when it was confirmed that Andy had agreed to accept this appointment and I feel that he will have a significant impact in the future,'' he added.

On hearing about his new role as England assistant coach, a peppy Flower said, ''I hold Peter Moores in the highest regard.

From my time working with Peter at the National academy, I know that we shall work very well together and I am excited about entering into this new challenge of coaching an international Team.'' UNI