Covers hold-up riles Flower

England team director Andy Flower has criticised the Yorkshire ground staff for reacting slowly to changing conditions at Headingley on the final day of the second Investec Test.

The home side faced a race against the time to take the four wickets needed to secure victory against New Zealand and Flower was seen in heated conversation with ground staff during a 45-minute delay at the start of Tuesday's morning session.

The Zimbabwean was clearly unhappy with the time it took to remove the protective covers and allow play to begin, although his side were able to force a 247-run victory in between showers. "I don't think I should be out there doing the officials' job," he told the BBC's Test Match Special.

"It wasn't raining so I'm not sure why the covers weren't being removed. I can't understand why it took so long to get the game started, regardless of the position we were in in the game.

"The officials have a responsibility to get the game going when conditions are suitable. It wasn't raining and the lack of activity was baffling."

Flower, during a frosty interview with TMS correspondent Jonathan Agnew, also addressed criticism of England's tactics during the game.

He was content after seeing the hosts seal victory in the time available, but did admit that Jonathan Trott could have batted with greater aggression on the third evening.

"We chose to bat again (rather than declare) and get well ahead. We thought we'd have enough time on a wearing pitch to take the last 10 wickets and so it proved," he said.

"But could we have been more urgent on the third day? Yes, I think we could have. I think Trott could have learnt a little from the young Yorkshire batsmen (Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow); they showed the right amount of energy and positiveness. He could have upped his rate a little, but the following morning he did exactly that and put us in a good position."