Feels sensational to claim No.1 spot: Flower

England coach Andy Flower says that getting to the No.1 spot in Tests was a goal that spurred the whole team against India.

"It feels simply sensational to claim the number-one spot and it comes after a lot of hard training sessions and Test matches. It was a goal that spurred the whole side on and it's very satisfying to have achieved that goal," Flower was quoted as saying in ICC Radio Show.

Flower also heaped praise on two ICC Awards 2011 nominees, Alastair Cook and James Anderson.

"Cook has done some amazing things as a player in his 27 years on this earth. With already 19 Test centuries, he can be proud of a very successful career. He is quite hungry for success and has a strong character. He is a good person, modest but strong in his way and good for the dressing room and when he comes out to perform on the field too," said the former Zimbabwe captain.

Flower said that Anderson has got a lot better over the last few years.

"His learning as a bowler has accelerated. He has had a couple of nice bowling coaches in Ottis Gibson and now David Saker and also a nice group of bowlers to work with. The group talks a lot and works together and creates pressure. Our bowling depth looks ok but I would be reticent to get too starry-eyed about everything. We cannot rest on our laurels," he said.