Flower backs Cook to shine as skipper

Andy Flower has no doubts that "natural leader" Alastair Cook is the right choice to deputise as England captain - or that Andrew Strauss had to have a break, before it was too late.

Cook's elevation to fill Strauss' role was foremost among a clutch of issues clarified by the naming of a 16-man Test squad, and 15 for the one-day internationals, on the tours of United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh.

"Alastair is a tough young man - I think you've seen that in the way he's batted and handled himself from the moment he joined the England team," said Flower. "In my judgment, he is a natural leader. I experienced snippets of that at Essex, and in the dressing room he is a strong character and makes good contributions."

Flower concedes Cook lacks some of the relevant experience, however.

"I think on the field he'll be respected by his players," he added. "He'll have to grow into learning the tactical game, of which he's had very little experience."

He believes Strauss, meanwhile, simply had to have a rest.

"The England captain has a very busy lifestyle," said Flower.

"He's constantly dealing with the press, the expectation and the responsibilities of running an England side.

"We've determined that his best interests, and consequently the interests of the side, are that he needs some rest leading up to the 18 months of tough cricket and non-stop cricket that we have coming up."

James Anderson is the only player, apart from Strauss, being prescribed a rest - to help him manage his chronic knee injury - while emerging all-rounder Ajmal Shahzad was named in both squads, and batsman Michael Carberry for the Tests.