England head coach Andy Flower has refused to single out individuals for criticism following his side's humiliation at the hands of Australia in this winter's Ashes series.
Australia regained the urn after just three Tests and went on to record a series whitewash over England, winning 5-0 to banish the memories of three consecutive Ashes series defeats.
A number of players underperformed during the series for England, with particular questions being raised over the form of batsman Kevin Pietersen, who was rumoured to be considering retiring from the game after the final Test.
However, Flower chose not to pick on individuals in a negative light and instead gave his backing to under-fire captain Alastair Cook, as England look to rebuild their shattered reputation.
"I don't want to go into talking about individuals right now. This isn't a witch hunt - certainly not on my part anyway," PA quotes Flower as saying.
"We need to make wise decisions about who are the players that need to join Alastair Cook in the rebuilding of the England cricket side. I think Alastair Cook can lead the renewal of the England cricket side.
"A description of him creating his own team, I think, is a good one. He will grow into that type of leader where he can call a team absolutely his own."
The current England side were just the third team in Ashes history to lose a series 5-0.
Barney Corkhill
