Fletcher to conduct clinics in Zimbabwe

Duncan Fletcher, the former England coach and Zimbabwe national team captain, arrived in Zimbabwe today to conduct a week-long coaching clinic at the High Performance Centre in Harare.

Fletcher, who linked up with the South Africa squad as a batting and tactical consultant during England's winter tour to South Africa, will be working with selected national age-group players - as well as some of the senior national team players and local coaches - at the centre.

"We have a full schedule with the Under-16s, Under-17s and Under19s throughout the week but we have also allocated time with some of the provincial coaches as well", said Kevin Curran, director of the Centre. "Fletcher's credentials as a world class coach are unquestionable and we are honoured to have him here. It is a fantastic opportunity for players and coaches alike."

Fletcher coached England for seven years up until 2007, and guided the team to unprecedented success in that time, including six series wins in a row leading into the 2005 Ashes. He also led England on two tours to South Africa, starting with his maiden series in charge in 1999-2000 and culminating in a memorable 2-1 triumph five years' later.

As Zimbabwe's first ODI captain, Fletcher played a key role in Zimbabwe's famous victory over Australia at the 1983 World Cup. After his retirement, he gradually moved into coaching, winning trophies with Western Province and then Glamorgan before he was selected as the first foreigner to coach England in 1999.

Fletcher's is the second high-profile visit by a respected coach to Zimbabwe this year, after legendary legspin coach Terry Jenner travelled to the country in January.