LONDON: England coach Andy Flower said there were no “mysterious answers” to success after twice being honoured at the 2011 UK Coaching Awards.
The former Zimbabwe batsman was named UK Coach of the Year and High Performance Coach of the Year having led England to their first Ashes triumph in Australia since the winter of 1986/87 at the start of this year.
He then guided the team to the top of the world Test rankings with a 4-0 whitewash of India.
A modest Flower said experience had taught him there are no “mysterious answers”, adding “simplicity is the best place to start”.
But England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB) chief executive David Collier was happy to sing Flower’s praises.
“Andy has been an outstanding coach to the England cricket team and I am delighted that his dedication, knowledge and all-round leadership skills have been recognised within the wider sporting world.
“The last 12 months have been momentous ones for the England cricket team and this is in no small part due to Andy’s personal drive and determination to bring the best out of his players and ensure that our preparation and performance are second to none.”
A lifetime achievement award was awarded to veteran athletics coach Malcolm Arnold, who this year guided fellow Welshman Dai Greene to for 400 metres hurdles gold at the World Championships in Daegu.
Meanwhile a special lifetime achievement award for coaching went to the late former England fast bowler Graham Dilley, who died in October. (Agencies)