Flower says England needs new 'Andrew Flintoff' to remain at pinnacle of cricket

London, Apr 8(ANI): England coach Andy Flower has highlighted his team's need for a "world class all-rounder" despite their win against Sri Lanka in the second Test at Colombo.

He said England needed a new 'Andrew Flintoff' if they are to maintain their World No 1 Test rank status.

"What we need is a genuine, world-class all-rounder to bat and bowl - something we've not had since Andrew Flintoff. I'm very happy and proud of the way the guys performed throughout the winter. They have worked hard at their game and I'm really happy that there is evidence of them learning," The Mirror quoted Flower, as saying.

"In the conditions we have faced this winter, there are skills you use against spin and it's our batting that cost us. Our bowlers have been brilliant all the way through.Batting is where we have fallen short. Why has it taken so long? These aren't easy things to sort out," he added.

His statement came after England recorded their first Test victory of the year and levelled the series with Sri Lanka.

England captain Andrew Strauss also praised his side for securing a first Test win of the year and revealed that the team's poor run of form never made him question his captaincy.

"I never had any doubts about whether this was the time for me to go. I'm very determined and committed to seeing us improve as a side. It's been an interesting week or two but I think it's very important that we as a side don't get carried away with whatever the issue of the day is," he added. (ANI)