Fletcher joins Proteas

Zimbabwean likely to come up against former employers next year

Last updated: 17th November 2008

Duncan Fletcher England kit

Fletcher: International return

Former England coach Duncan Fletcher has agreed to join South Africa's coaching staff on a consultancy basis.

The 60-year-old has agreed to work with the squad ahead of the Test series against Bangladesh, which gets underway on Wednesday.

He will also be involved for the home-and-away series with Australia and also next season when the Proteas' major assignments are the ICC Champions Trophy tournament and the home Test series against England.

"Former England coach Duncan Fletcher is to join the Proteas on a consultancy basis as the South African cricket team intensifies its build-up to the approaching Test series against Bangladesh and Australia," read a statement from Cricket South Africa.

Australia tour

"Fletcher will then travel with the Castle Test squad for the first Test against Australia at Perth in mid-December."

Fletcher has not been in a coaching position since leaving his post with England after the World Cup campaign in the Caribbean last year.

The Zimbabwean, who now resides in Cape Town, worked with several of the current South African squad during his time in charge at Western Province.

Proteas coach Mickey Arthur is delighted with the new addition to his coaching team, particuarly considering Fletcher knows what it takes to beat Australia in a Test series.

Value

"Duncan will spend three days with us before each of the two Tests against Bangladesh and will then spend 12 days with us in Australia ahead of the opening Test at Perth," he said.

"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.

"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 five percent to take us up to the next level."

Fletcher has also held talks recently regarding a consultancy and advisory role at Hampshire. He enjoyed a successful spell in county cricket previously with Glamorgan.

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