Any remote chance that Andy Flower would replace Gary Kirsten as the India coach after an informal approach was removed last week when Duncan Fletcher was appointed to that job, having been tapped up midway through the World Cup. In truth, Flower did not need to be courted by India or any other country for Morris to offer new terms.
Over the past two years, England have risen from sixth to third in the ICC Test rankings, behind India and South Africa, and climbed to fifth in the one-day format. The possibility of progressing to the top position is a driving force for Flower, who is enthused by the depth of talent available.
"When I was appointed, I stated that I wanted to create a winning England team and I am very pleased with the advances we have made as a squad over the last two years in all formats of the game,' Flower said. "We have made no secret of our determination to become the No 1 side in the world and challenge for global titles, and I feel we have been making steady progress. I believe we have the talent amongst the playing squad and management team to help us realise our ambitions.'