Andy Flower 'Leaves England Role' After Dismal Ashes Performance

Andy Flower has left his role as England team director following their 5-0 Ashes whitewash at the hands of Australia, a number of reports suggest.

During his five years at the helm Flower led England to three successive Ashes victories but will reportedly step aside after last year's dismal performance down under.

Reports suggest he will continue his work with the England and Wales Cricket Board in a different capacity, which could see him working out of Loughborough but no longer overseeing the affairs of the senior team.

The ECB are expected to make a formal announcement as to who will succeed the 45-year-old next week with Ashley Giles one possible candidate for the role.

Flower's future was cast in severe doubt when he didn't fly out to Sri Lanka with the England Performance Squad in January, where he was to review England's embarrassing defeat in Australia with ECB managing director Paul Downton.

It marks a significant turnaround after Flower steered England to his third successive Ashes series win at home in August but solemnly predicted that it was "the end of an era" for the current side.

Possible successor Giles, England's current one-day and Twenty20 coach, is likely to get a chance to strengthen his claim for the job during England's tour of West Indies in February and March, with former South Africa and India coach Gary Kirsten another potential contender.