Flower blames long break for England's series loss to Pakistan

Venezuela Star (ANI) Tuesday 7th February, 2012

England cricket team coach Andy Flower has blamed his team's two-month break for their disastrous 3-0 whitewash to Pakistan.

After losing the Third Test by 71 runs, head coach Flower said: "We spent a couple of months away from the game, not doing a lot while Pakistan were beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"That hardened them up for this contest. Looking back, I don't think we were ready," The Sun quoted Flower, as saying.

"I shoulder that side of the blame as it was my decision to give the players time off. We won't let that happen again," he added.

"I'm surprised at how poorly we've batted and there is a very obvious weakness against spin," Flower said.

Skipper Andrew Strauss did not think the break was a big factor.

He said: "If we use that as a reason, we'd be avoiding the important issues. We haven't been good enough or quick enough at adapting our games. We all have some questions to answer and a bit of soul-searching about how we can do better." (ANI)