Fletcher goes, Vaughan next in line

Bridgetown, Barbados, Apr 20 (UNI) England's disastrous World Cup campaign claimed its first victim when coach Duncan Fletcher resigned amid reports that captain Michael Vaughan may also lose his job after tomorrow's match against West Indies.

''I feel it is in the team's best interests over the long term that I should move on and seek a new challenge elsewhere,'' Fletcher said in a statement.

''I always said that I would review my position as England coach nearer to the end of this winter. Earlier in the World Cup I came to a decision about my future and I discussed stepping down as head coach with the ECB prior to England's game against Bangladesh,'' he said.

''This has been a difficult winter for the team and for me personally, but I believe that my record as coach over the past eight years is one in which I can take great pride.

''I would like to thank all the players and the management team for their contributions, the ECB for its support and for giving me the opportunity to coach England; and the England fans for their ongoing support,'' he announced before media persons at Hotel Hilton here,'' the coach added.

Paradoxically he was the hero -- the strategist -- of the Ashes tour two years ago when England registered the epic win over Australia at home. His head was on the chopping bloc as England's most forgettable World Cup campaign ended with just one victory over test playing nations and that too against Bangladesh.

England were dumped out of the World Cup by South Africa on Tuesday after a disastrous tournament.

However, Fletcher will remain in the England dressing room for one last time in tomorrow's match, said England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive David Collier last night.

Collier paid tribute to Fletcher's service, saying ''He can be justifiably proud of a record which includes an Ashes series victory over Australia, a record eight successive Test wins and Test series wins abroad in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and South Africa as well as the Commonwealth Bank series success in Australia.

''England's rise to number two in the ICC Test Championship is no small measure and it was due to his rigorous planning and excellent coaching skills,'' said Collier.

MORE UNI