Flower hails Cook's captaincy at 'crucial' times in Ashes

England coach Andy Flower has praised captain Alastair Cook for his decisions and said that he deserved credit for leading the side to an Ashes series win over Australia, despite what has been said off the field about his field placing and declarations.

According to Sport24, Cook has enjoyed some notable triumphs as England captain since taking over from his now retired former opening partner Andrew Strauss, including a series win in India last year and now steering the side to an unbeatable 3-0 lead over Australia with a Test to spare.

The 28-year-old Cook has, however, been criticised by former players, notably Australia greats Ian Chappell and Shane Warne, for being an excessively cautious captain when it comes to declarations and for a lack of imagination in his field placings, the report said.

Flower said that Cook's captaincy had been excellent and it was both strong in the dressing room and out in the field, adding that he made some great decisions that turned the game, like bringing in Bresnan who got the wicket of David Warner.

The Essex left-hander's style has been contrasted unfavourably with the bold approach of Australia captain Michael Clarke, the report added.