Andy Flower hopes for an England fightback in third Test

Flower, who had led England to the No. 1 ranking in Tests in 2011, feels there is still a lot to play for in the third Test against West Indies despite the three Lions ceding the series 2-0.

Andy Flower: "It would be nice to see England bounce back in the third Test."

The England Lions head coach, Andy Flower, is impressed by West Indies' performance in the ongoing three-Test series against England.

The Caribbean side wrapped up the series with a 10-wicket win in Antigua, it's second in as many Tests. It won the first match in Barbados by 381 runs within four days.

“The way the West Indies (especially Darren Bravo) batted in the second Test was admirable,” said the former Zimbabwean captain ahead of the first unofficial Test against India-A.

PREVIEW: Confident India A eyes domination in first unofficial Test

“They have to get a lot of credit for the determination they showed, as they are known for being dashing players,” he added.

Flower, who had led England to the No. 1 ranking in Tests in 2011, felt there was still a lot to play for in the series. “It would be nice to see England bounce back in the third Test,” he said.

A learning curve

About the unofficial Test in Wayanad, he said he was looking forward to a good series (the second match will be played in Mysuru from February 13). “India-A is a strong side and we were soundly beaten by them in the one-day series,” he said. “But our young cricketers will have learnt a lot.”

Indian captain Ankit Bawne said his team was excited about playing the match. “This is an important match for our careers,” he said. “And England Lions are a really good side, too.”