Ashes 2009 ‘England coach eyes victory’

Play or no play, England coach Andy Flower continued to harbour faith in his team to pull off a victory despite the third day being washed out. Rain washed out the third day’s play without a ball being bowled.

The forecast for the remaining three days of this game is not encouraging either.Speaking after the day’s play was abandoned, Flower said, “I don’t how much play we are going to get tomorrow (Sunday) either.I think Steve Rouse (the groundsman) has said we might get 70 overs in and that would be a godsend if we do. You can see how quickly things can happen in a game, so a result is definitely possible. Whether or not that happens, we’ll have to see how well both sides play. But if we can get 70 overs in, we still have to bat well to get a lead, we are still 140-odd behind. It’s up to us to bat well.”

Speaking on Andrew Strauss, the coach said, “He’s been very impressive. Obviously with the bat, he’s led from the front in that regard. He’s been rock-solid up there for other guys to bat around. As a captain and a bloke, in there in the changing room and out on the field, he’s making good decisions and he’s a strong bloke and a good leader.”

On Andrew Flintoff, the English coach said, “I’m thankful that he’s playing. Given his injury record, you are never sure how long you are going to have him for. We don’t know what’s going to happen over the next two days but he’s a strong bloke so it’s possible. We don’t look any further forward than this game. We’ve got to try to win it and then make decisions thereafter.”

On one hand weather is playing a torrid game of uncertainty with both teams, Flower’s confidence could be a morale booster for the two sides.