Cricket-World Cup leads to all change with the coaches

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Apr 20 (Reuters) The resignations of Duncan Fletcher and Dav Whatmore at the World Cup this week were the latest moves in what is becoming an extraordinary merry-go-round of world cricket's top coaches.

As many as seven of the 10 test nations may be switching coaches during or following the World Cup, setting up a likely swing in direction for most of the world's top teams.

Zimbabwean Fletcher quit as England coach yesterday after eight years in the job and he was promptly replaced by Briton Peter Moores, head of their academy, today.

England have failed to beat any of the world's top sides in the tournament.

Also today, Bangladesh coach Whatmore said he would not be renewing his contract when it expired on May 31, after four years with the team who beat South Africa and India during the World Cup and made the second-round Super Eights.

VACANT POST Whatmore has been linked to the vacant post of India, after Australian Greg Chappell quit this month following his side's humiliating exit at the group stage when they were unexpectedly defeated by the Bangladeshis.

India installed former player Ravi Shastri as cricket manager and separate batting and bowling coaches for the Bangladesh series next month but only on short-term deals.

The world's top-ranked team Australia announced in February that Tim Nielsen would become their new coach after John Buchanan said he would leave the post after trying to win his second World Cup, in the Caribbean.

Pakistan are also seeking a new coach after Briton Bob Woolmer was found dead in his hotel room a day after the team had been eliminated in the opening group stage. Woolmer, though, was not expected to have renewed his contract in June.

Former Indian coach John Wright, the ex-New Zealand batsman, has been linked with the Pakistan job.

Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody must also consider his future after the World Cup when his two-year contract expires.

Moody, who was involved in two World Cup-winning Australian campaigns in 1987 and 1999, has helped Sri Lanka reach the World Cup semi-finals along with Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Zimbabwe, who have test status but are suspended from playing five-day cricket due to internal board politics, may have to replace Kevin Curran, who is believed to be frustrated at the continued infighting in Zimbabwe cricket.

Even shock Super Eights qualifiers Ireland are changing their coach after South African Adrian Birrell announced before the World Cup that he would leave afterwards. Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons has succeeded him.

The only roles that appear to be secure are Mickey Arthur's with South Africa and John Bracewell's with New Zealand, teams seeking a first World Cup final appearance.

Australian Bennett King's future has also evaded speculation, though after his West Indies team crashed out of the World Cup following losses in their first four Super Eights games, nothing can be sure.

REUTERS DH KP2332