Former England cricket coach Andy Flower, who stepped down after their humiliating Ashes defeat, has been named as the ECB’s technical director of elite coaching.

Flower left his post as team director following a dreadful tour of Australia, where England suffered a 5-0 series defeat and proceeded to lose seven of the eight limited-overs contests which followed.

The tour also ended the international career of prolific batsman Kevin Pietersen, after concerns over team unity.

It was immediately indicated that Flower would still be a part of England’s future plans and details of his role have now been provided.

The 45-year-old Zimbabwean will be working with the next generation of players and coaches and will be setting up a leadership program, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement says.

Flower’s achievements prior to his miserable Ashes farewell were impressive as England won three previous series against Australia under his tutelage, including the 2010-11 series Down Under.

They also claimed the World Twenty20 title in 2010 and reached number one in the world rankings in all three formats. Flower received an OBE in the Queen’s 2011 Birthday Honours list.

Flower says he’s delighted with the appointment.

“I see this as a great opportunity for me as I start a new phase of my career,” he said on Tuesday.

“I am particularly excited about the chance to build and mould a leadership course which is not simply about captaincy but much more.

“This role offers me a chance to make a real contribution to the ability and character of England players and coaches in the years to come.”