Zimbabwe-born Flower will be remaining with England on a permanent role after signing a new contract.

He was offered the role of England Team Director on a permanent basis in 2009. During this two-year period England has risen from sixth in the ICC Test rankings to third behind India and South Africa and has climbed a place from sixth to fifth in the ICC one day rankings.

In 2009 England defeated Australia 2-1 to regain the Ashes and last winter became the first side since 1987 to retain the Ashes with a convincing 3-1 victory in Australia. England has also won a first global title with a seven wicket victory over Australia in the West Indies in 2010 to become the current ICC World Twenty20 Champions.

England will face Sri Lanka this summer in a three match Test Series followed by a Twenty20 and ODI Series. England will then face India in a four match Test Series, followed by an ODI against Ireland in Dublin and will end the summer with a Twenty20 and ODI series against India.

England will have a new logo on their Cricket Helmets for these matches – as Nationwide as just been signed up as a new sponsor.