Grant Flower

Grant Flower was an experienced top-order batter who began his career as an opener but then slipped down to No. 6 after success there in one-day internationals. He had the stubborn temperament needed to play long innings, but could be a powerful hitter when required. He was also a brilliant fielder anywhere close to the wicket, and a handy left-arm spinner in white-ball cricket, although his bowling action was questioned occasionally. After an impressive start to international cricket, including 82 on his Test debut against India in October 1992 and an unbeaten double-hundred in Zimbabwe's first Test win, against Pakistan early in 1995, his average in both forms of the game gradually crept down. Asked to open the batting on the 2003 England tour after his brother Andy's retirement, he failed to lead his side out of trouble - though he did make a match-winning 96 not out at Trent Bridge in the NatWest Series. During the dispute between the Zimbabwe board and the rebel players in 2004, Flower emerged as a spokesperson for the latter, speaking his mind with courage. Later that year he announced his retirement from international cricket and signed a contract with Essex, where Andy had already established himself. Flower spent six successful seasons with the club, guiding them to three one-day trophies and a T20 title between 2005 and 2010. After that Flower returned to Zimbabwe and made a brief international comeback, playing two ODIs against South Africa, and captaining Mashonaland Eagles to the domestic T20 title in 2010-11. Thereafter, he worked as a batting coach, for Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.