Flower says ‘cricket overdose’ behind England’s ‘wounded warriors’ squad

SYDNEY - England coach Andy Flower has revealed that he will urge the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) against arranging any more energy-sapping ODI marathons like the ongoing seven-match series against Australia.

Flower said that his end-of-tour report would include strong criticism of the schedule, which threatens to undermine the team’s World Cup campaign due to injuries to some key players.

“We have got six guys injured and if you look a little further into some of the people on the field, we have got some significant niggles that people are dealing with. Obviously it’s not ideal preparation for the World Cup,” the Telegraph quoted Flower, as saying.

“There will be a communication between me and the people who decide on these itineraries,” he added.

All-rounder Paul Collingwood has returned home to recover from a back spasm, fast bowler Tim Bresnan is out with a torn calf muscle, Ajmal Shahzad has a torn hamstring, while off-spinner Graeme Swann is struggling with his sore back.

Fast bowler Stuart Broad is still working his way back to full pace after tearing a stomach muscle in December.

England has their first World Cup warm-up match scheduled on February 16. (ANI)