Andy Flower has told Salman Butt to mind his own business after the Pakistan captain backed Australia to deny England a successful defence of the Ashes. Butt's men beat England by four wickets at The Oval here on Saturday to reduce the hosts' series lead to 2-1 ahead of the fourth and final Test starting on the other side of London's River Thames at Lord's on Thursday.
Pakistan drew 1-1 in a two-Test series against Australia in England last month and Butt was unequivocal when asked by reporters at The Oval who he favoured to win the Ashes series, which starts in Brisbane in November. "The Aussies are much better players in their own conditions," Butt said.
"The ball doesn't swing so much, so the bowlers have to work hard. In their conditions they are better than England." However, England coach Flower, speaking on Sunday, said: "Salman Butt shouldn't really be making judgements about our bowlers in Australia. "Of course, if the ball doesn't swing at any venue, (fast) bowlers will be less dangerous. That's perfectly obvious." Meanwhile Flower wants a show of faith in the top-order to be rewarded with a much improved batting display at Lord's. Yorkshire seamer Tim Bresnan was the only addition on Sunday to the England team beaten at The Oval.
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