‘England flops have to take charge’

LONDON: England pace bowler James Anderson admits he and his team-mates must take more responsibility as they look to bounce back from a woeful Ashes defeat against Australia.
Anderson and company will be led by a new coach this season, with the new man set to be appointed next month and charged with revamping a squad that slumped to a dismal 5-0 whitewash in the Test series in Australia before crashing out of the World Twenty20 at the group stage.
However, Anderson, one of the team’s senior figures, believes the onus should be on the players rather than the coach to ensure England return to the form that saw them win the Ashes on home soil last year.
“As important as a head coach is, I feel it’s the players that have to try and turn things round,” Anderson wrote on his personal blog.
“I honestly believe the group of players that are selected have to take responsibility to try and get the team out of the trough we find ourselves in.
“A successful team is not led by one man. The captain is also important, of course, but a successful team has a group of leaders within the team. We will need a nucleus of four or five leaders who can drive the team in the right direction.”
England descended into chaos during the long tour to Australia, which prompted Andy Flower to step down as team director before star batsman Kevin Pietersen’s controversial axing.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are due to announce Flower’s replacement in the next month, with limited-overs boss Ashley Giles and Lancashire coach Peter Moores tipped as the men most likely to get the job.
Anderson has worked under both and is confident either would be a suitable fit to help reinvigorate the national team.
“Ashley Giles and Peter Moores have been named in the shortlist of candidates and, having worked under both, I think they are each well equipped for the job,” he said.
“Peter Moores has played a big part in my career and I have always enjoyed his enthusiasm and skill for coaching. Likewise, I have enjoyed working with Ashley Giles, particularly during last year’s Champions Trophy (when England reached the final).”