England v New Zealand: Andy Flower insists Ashes series still a 'long way off'

England team director Andy Flower heralded a job well done by his side after they secured a series sweep over New Zealand at Headingley.

Joe Root is certain to be part of the line-up for the opening Ashes Test at Trent Bridge; the Yorkshireman continues to blossom in the international game, scoring his maiden ton on home turf at Headingley. Flower was full of praise for the right-hander as well as his county colleague Jonny Bairstow, who could be the man to make way from the team if Kevin Pietersen is fit to face the Australians. "He looks an excellent cricketer. His decision-making in the middle, his balance, has been excellent in his fledgling career so far," he said. "It was great to see him get a debut hundred at his home ground, and it was nice to see the enthusiasm and passion that the Yorkshire showed Joe. "It was also great to see Jonny Bairstow bat with him - I know how happy Jonny was for Joe to get that hundred, which is really nice to see. That was a special moment. "They're both good young men, very different characters but will hopefully they will both have very successful England careers and help England win more cricket matches."