last updated: Friday 25 September 2009, 08:56am

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Flower expects England to bloom

Coach Andy Flower insists England are excited rather than weary as they head into the Champions Trophy.

Despite arriving in South Africa on the back of a 6-1 Series drubbing by Australia, England head into their opening Group B fixture against Sri Lanka thankful for a change of scene.

Flower said: 'We have had a long, hard summer back home, so getting out here and playing in this tournament, with the best players in the world is very exciting for everyone.'

While Australia's pacemen, led by a rejuvenated Brett Lee, cleaned up England's misfiring batsmen earlier this month, the threat now reverts to spin with Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, whose remarkable rise continued with a starring display in the tournament opening win over South Africa.

Flower continued: 'It proved a tough series against Australia but the Sri Lankans will put forward a completely different challenge.'

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