Moores 'has broad shoulders'

Peter Moores "backs himself to handle anything", according to Sussex coach Mark Robinson

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Sussex coach Mark Robinson insists Peter Moores will be more than capable of handling the pressure-cooker atmosphere of international cricket.

Moores was appointed as Duncan Fletcher’s successor as England coach on Friday, and will take charge of the team on May 1 ahead of the npower Test series against West Indies, which starts on May 17.

It represents a remarkable rise up the coaching ranks for Moores, who led Sussex to a first County Championship title in their history in 2003 before being named as England Academy director to years ago.

He was chosen ahead of candidates with a host of experience at the highest level despite never having played Test or one-day international cricket, but Robinson is confident it will have no bearing on Moores’ success as England coach.

“How many of the top-class football managers were top-class players?” asked Robinson, who worked as coach alongside Moores during his successful reign as Sussex director of cricket.

“Mourinho, Wenger, Ferguson - they were never the best players but look at them now as managers. They are the best in the world,” he told ecb.co.uk.

No-one should doubt Moores' character, says Robinson

“Pete might not have played Test cricket but he has got great experience in that dressing room, with the likes of Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff in there.

“He can always bring in a number two or back-up guy who has played Test cricket to help him out, but I can’t see it being a problem anyway.

“Pete will get a huge amount of respect from the players as a coach - that’s the most important thing.”

As Moores takes the next step up to assume arguably the most high-profile coaching post in cricket, so the expectation levels and scrutiny will soar.

But Robinson, whose success in leading Sussex to another championship triumph last season owed much to the legacy left by Moores, claims his former team-mate and boss will not be fazed.

“The pressure will be greater but Pete backs himself to handle anything,” Robinson said. “He never shies away from a challenge.

“He has got big enough shoulders to cope. One thing I would never question is his strength of character.

“He’s got steely eyes. He stands up for everything that is right in the game and he’s prepared to go toe to toe with anyone. No-one should doubt that he will be a strong guy.”