Cricket:Former Zimbabwe batsman Andy Flower has been unveiled as England's new team director at Lord's despite presiding over the unexpected defeat to the West Indies as stand-in coach during the recent tour of the Caribbean.
The 40-year-old initially displayed reluctance to fill that role due to his loyalty to former coach Peter Moores, the man who engaged him as his assistant two years ago.
Flower admitted he had made up his mind to put himself forward for the job during the tour of the West Indies.
Flower said: "When I went on that West Indian tour I didn't know whether I wanted to apply for this job or not. Halfway through I had made up my mind that I did.
"I'm very honoured to be given the position. I believe the last three months will stand me in good stead.
"I was interim coach for that tour, now that I'm in charge, so to speak, things change, definitely."
Hugh Morris, managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board, revealed there had been 30 applicants for the role.
Morris said: "We had a great deal of interest. We were very happy with the level of candidates and the standard of candidates who applied for the job.
"We believe Andy has the potential to become a first-class coach."
Morris also revealed Flower's attributes which had helped him land the job.
He said: "Honesty, integrity. I think he has a clear vision of where he wants to take the England cricket team in years to come.
"He has got a strong reputation in the game.
"Andy did a terrific job in the West Indies. We see Andy as a person to take England forward. He is a young man who has impressed in the West Indies."
Flower admitted there were difficult decisions to make about the England team ahead of the Ashes series against Australia and the ICC World Twenty20.
Asked about a possible return to the Test arena for former England captain Michael Vaughan, Flower said: "That is one of the topics that will be discussed."
Flower also backed former captain Kevin Pietersen, whose fall-out with Moores ended with Pietersen losing the captaincy and Moores leaving his post.
Flower added on Pietersen: "He's very important to English cricket. He's a very fine player. Kevin and I have always got on pretty well and that hasn't changed."