Dean Jones blames 'deplorable' Cook, Flower, selectors for England's Ashes disaster

Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones has blamed England captain Alastair Cook, coach Andy Flower and the team's selectors for their disastrous Ashes campaign in Australia.

Jones believes that a team that capitulates easily as England has on this tour, has evident problems within its structure and culture as Ashes tourists received two 'punches on the chin' from Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson on day one at the Gabba and have not yet got up 'from the canvas'.

According to The Age, Jones said that English and Australian captains are measured on how their team plays within an Ashes series and although England had a good run under Cook's reign, winning five out of six series, their defeat in Australia was clearly caused by Cook, Flower and the selectors.

Jones pointed out a number of decisions that were mistakes according to him, including the selection of Jonny Bairstow over Matt Prior and not letting Kevin Pietersen or Ian Bell bat at three, adding that Cook's captaincy was also deplorable with no direction at the crease during much of the series.

Stating that it is job of new England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Paul Downton to salvage the mess, Jones further said that Cook can learn from his adversary Michael Clarke, who has a great mentor in Shane Warn, and look towards David Gower, Mike Brearley or Mike Gatting for inspiration and advice.

Jones also said that Flower has to get his team back to the level it once knew by allowing the players more freedom like his Australian counterpart Darren Lehmann has, adding that the tourists have simply lost the plot and now need some tough leadership and direction.