Duncan Fletcher's last stand

Profiles / Editor / 19 April 2007 / Leave a Comment

Duncan Fletcher is set to stand down as England coach following Saturday's final World Cup match against West Indies.

After months of speculation over his future, Fletcher has decided to leave the position having enjoyed extreme highs and lows in his eight-year reign in charge of the side.

The former Zimbabwe international was at the helm when England historically won back the Ashes on home soil in 2005.

But things have turned sour over the past 12 months, with a 5-0 series whitewash in Australia followed up by a disappointing World Cup exit in the Super 8 stage.

Talk over his future mounted on Wednesday, when the 58-year-old decided to play a round of golf instead of holding a post-match press conference following the embarrassing defeat to South Africa.

Academy coach Peter Moores is expected to take over on a temporary basis, while Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody continues to be linked with the England job.

Betfair punters feel Fletcher's reign will end in defeat, with West Indies the 1.9 favourites to win Saturday's Barbados encounter and England trading at 2.08.