South Africans turn to Fletcher

South Africa

South Africa has turned to Ashes-winning former England coach Duncan Fletcher for help on its three-Test cricket tour to Australia next month.

Fletcher has been hired as a consultant and is expected to assist South Africa coach Mickey Arthur and his team with tips on how to beat the world No.1 team.

Cricket South Africa said in a statement on Monday that the Zimbabwean would start immediately as the team prepares for a Test series against Bangladesh that starts on Wednesday.

“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,” Arthur 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.”

Fletcher coached England to a memorable home Ashes series win over Australia in 2005.

However, he was unable to repeat the feat when Australia whitewashed his team 5-0 to reclaim the Ashes on home soil in the 2006-07 season.