Fletcher named India coach

Former England coach Duncan Fletcher takes up the reins with India following their Cricket World Cup win.

Duncan Fletcher
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Fletcher takes on an Indian team still basking in the glory of their Cricket World Cup win [AFP]

India have appointed Duncan Fletcher as the coach of the national cricket team.

Fletcher will replace South African Gary Kirsten and will become the fourth foreign coach for India after New Zealander John Wright, Australian Greg Chappell and Kirsten.

Kirsten resigned after guiding India to victory at the Cricket World Cup last month. 

Former England coach

The 62-year-old Fletcher, a former Zimbabwean all-rounder who came to prominence as a coach when reviving the England team over several years and helping them regain the Ashes in 2005, has been appointed to his new role on a two-year contract.

His more recent assignments have been as a consultant with South Africa and New Zealand.

A media statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Narainswamy Srinivasan said Fletcher had been given a two-year contract, while Eric Simons will continue as the bowling coach.

Fletcher was named over New Zealander Stephen Fleming and Zimbabwean Andy Flower.

Next on India’s schedule is a Twenty20 international, five one-day internationals and three Tests in their tour of West Indies, although Srinivasan hinted that Fletcher may not join the team in the Windies due to prior commitments. 

He will however be in position for India’s tour of England from July to September.

India are currently ranked number one in Test cricket, and number two in one-day internationals.

The BCCI also announced a doubling of the cash bonus for World Cup-winning players, who will now get $420,000 each.

Source: News Agencies