India have appointed former England coach Duncan Fletcher as
the new coach of the national team.
Fletcher, 62, replaces South African Gary Kirsten, who
resigned after guiding India to its World Cup triumph.
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, a former Zimbabwe captain, was the coach of the
England team that beat Australia in 2005 to take the Ashes
for the first time in close to two decades.
His more recent assignments have been as a consultant with
South Africa and New Zealand.
Fletcher had been shortlisted by the BCCI along with another
former Zimbabwe player Andy Flower, who is presently coaching
England.
Fletcher will be the fourth foreign coach for India after New
Zealander John Wright, Australian Greg Chappell and Kirsten.
However, Fletcher may not be part of India's next tour, to
the West Indies in June for one Twenty20 international, five
one-day games and three tests. Srinivasan said Fletcher "has
some prior commitments."
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.