zimcricketforums.com

ESSEX: Grant Flower ends on a high after six years at Essex

WHEN Grant Flower first joined Essex six years ago under the controversial Kolpak ruling some fans didn't take too kindly to his arrival, some even booed.

But the cheering for his retirement on Thursday night, after hitting an unbeaten 81 against Middlesex, showed he has won the hearts and minds of the Chelmsford faithful who screamed 'There's only one Grant Flower'.

"I think over the years I have shown my commitment to the county and to the country," Flower told the Gazette after his emotional send off from the fans.

"I could understand it (the booing) and the Kolpak thing was controversial and I was taking an English person's spot in the side.

"But I think good performances and the commitment I have show has helped a great deal.

"I'm quite emotional about the send off I got, I'm not the sort of person that likes a big fuss, but six years is a long time."

The 39-year-old, who has made 188 first-class appearances scoring 10,898 runs with 23 centuries and 166 wickets, will link up with the Zimbabwe national team next month after accepting a position as their batting coach and he describes the job as "a huge risk".

He said: "You never know what is going to happen in Africa and what the situation will be like and whether or not the contract you sign actually means what it's supposed to, the organisation isn't very good.

"I was offered the role of second team coach here at Essex and you know that's a solid job, so going back to Africa is a huge risk, but you have to do that in life, it's a wrench to leave because I have some great friends here at Essex so there are obviously pros and cons."

The all-rounder has spoken with Essex coach Paul Grayson about the possibility of returning next season just in a Twenty20 capacity, but says it's highly unlikely.

"Yeah, we did speak about it," he says.

"But I don't think that will happen, but you never say never in life though my body and mind is tired."

So how did his move to Essex come about in the first place?

"Well my brother (England coach Andy Flower) was here and he spoke to the management," says Grant.

"We had obviously had our problems with the rebels situation so I needed somewhere to go and play cricket and Essex were happy to have me."

He lists as his greatest achievement as his 70 not out in the Friends Provident Trophy Final against Kent two years ago and is now hoping to end his career on a similar note, after Essex qualified for the Clydesdale Bank40 semi-finals against Somerset on Saturday.

"It will be very tough to overcome them," he said.

"But if we get to Lord's it would be a great way to end."

Flower has been a huge credit to Essex during his spell at the club and works assiduously in the gym to keep up his incredible level of fitness.

"I have had to make a lot of sacrifices during my career," he says. "I think it helps when you go on to the field if you are physically fit, then you are confident, and physiologically that has helped me to sustain my career."

Essex head coach Paul Grayson describes Flower as "the most professional person I have ever worked with."

As part of a glowing description of Flower's time at Essex, Grayson added: "He has been a fantastic player for us, especially in One Day cricket.

"It hasn't always worked out for him in Championship cricket for some reason but he has been wonderful for the county."

Essex were set to rest some key players against Durham in the County Championship, ahead of Saturday's semi-final at Taunton, which Ravi Bopara is likely to miss on England duty.

With relegation all but assured Grayson said he was likely to leave out David Masters, Ryan ten Doeschate and Danish Kaneria.

Essex will have to finish that game in Chelmsford on Friday night before travelling up to Somerset ahead of Saturday's semi-final.

"We have always brought this sort of thing up at our coaches meetings with the ECB," said Grayson.

"Somerset play at home the day before and we have to travel up there, it's obviously not ideal.

"There will be no excuses though, if we lose we won't use the travelling as an excuse."

The game against Durham will have changed playing hours in a bid to get Essex down south quicker on Friday – the first three days will run from 10.30am until 5.45pm and the final day will start at the same time but end at 4.45pm.

Grayson was delighted with his team's performances in beating Middlesex and then leaders Yorkshire to qualify for the semi-finals by being the best second placed team in Group B.

"We deserve to be there," he said.

"We have won nine out of our 12 games with one wash out, we respect Somerset, they are a really good side."