Collier lauds England's award winners
Andrew Strauss, left, accepts the Team of the Year award on behalf of his Test side at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year
ECB chief executive David Collier today led the tributes to the England Test side and team director Andy Flower, who each won major awards at last night’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The England Test outfit were named Team of the Year – the third time in seven years they have won this prestigious award following previous triumphs in 2005 and 2009.
Flower also became the first England cricket coach to win the Coach of the Year award since this category was first introduced by the broadcaster in 1999.
England Test captain Andrew Strauss and one-day captain Alastair Cook were also shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, which was won by cyclist Mark Cavendish at last night’s event in Manchester.
Collier said: “The awards to the England team and Andy Flower are richly deserved and reflect a tremendous 12 months which has seen the team become the world's number-one ranked Test side in the Reliance ICC World Test rankings and win an Ashes series in Australia for the first time since 1986-87.
“Our congratulations go to all the players and the team management.”
Commenting on Flower’s award, ECB managing director – England Cricket Hugh Morris said: “This is one of the most sought-after awards in British sport and we are delighted that Andy’s outstanding leadership of the team has been recognised in this way.
“He is a world-class coach whose outstanding man-management skills and tactical nous played a huge role in ensuring that 2011 was a year to remember for the England team.”
