Fletcher enjoyed a largely-successful six year spell as England coach

Former England coach Duncan Fletcher will be part of South Africa's coaching staff when they play England in 2009.

Fletcher will begin his consultant role with South Africa in the forthcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on Wednesday.

He will be involved in the build-up to their Australia tour, and will take part in preparations for the Champions Trophy and England's tour in 2009.

Fletcher's high point with England was the 2005 Ashes win over Australia.

South Africa, currently third in the International Cricket Council's world Test rankings, start the first Test against Bangladesh at Bloemfontein, play the second a week later before flying to Australia for three Tests.

Fletcher, who lives in Cape Town, will work with the team for three days before both Bangladesh Tests and then 12 days prior to the first Test against Australia in Perth on 17 December.

"He will add a great deal of value to our plans and preparations, particularly with his experience of having been a successful coach against Australia," South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said of the appointment.

"I am a great believer in refreshing the squad, whether it be on the playing or management side, and he will help us find another 5% to take us up to the next level."

Former Zimbabwe captain Fletcher became England coach in 1999 and left the post in 2007.

His departure came in the wake of a disappointing World Cup campaign that ended at the Super Eight stage, and which followed Australia's 5-0 win on home soil to regain the Ashes.

He has recently held talks with English county side Hampshire over a consultancy and advisory role there.

Fletcher has previously worked as a coach for Western Province, where he helped launch the international careers of Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version