'Coach, skipper partnership key to England's success'

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Hugh Morris said the combination of team director Andy Flower and captain Andrew Strauss is the key to England's success.

"One of the most important reasons is we have outstanding leadership in Flower and Strauss. They've shown a clear direction and vision to the players and management," Morris was quoted as saying by BBC.

Under Flower and Strauss, England have won seven and drawn one of their last eight Test series, including the Ashes at home and away, and they are just a win away from getting to the top of the world in Test rankings.

"A lot of hard work has gone in over the last few years to get us to this position. The short-term target is to win at Edgbaston and what we've got to try and do is sustain it over a period of time," Morris said.

Morris said the partnership of Flower and Strauss is central to the team's future development.

"Very recently Andy committed his future to England cricket," said Morris. "We always said that after the Ashes and World Cup we would sit down and begin to plot a strategy over the next period of time. He's on a staff employment contract, he's got a long-term notice period to that contract and he's very committed to the post."

Morris said over the past couple of years, Andrew has shown fantastic leadership capabilities.

"He's doing a great job and he's very driven to continue to do that job," said Morris. "His record is there for all to see - of the last eight Test match series we've won seven and drawn one and we're obviously in a really good position against India."