The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Duncan Fletcher remains defiant

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Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006
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Duncan Fletcher remains defiant

PERTH : England cricket coach Duncan Fletcher has defended his side's Ashes preparation and said he — and not England management — could decide his future beyond next year's World Cup.

Despite losing the first three Tests, Fletcher on Tuesday backed his side's controversial build-up to the tour, and again stood by England's selections, notably making Andrew Flintoff captain and overlooking spinner Monty Panesar.

Fletcher is under pressure to retain his position beyond next year's World Cup, and said he would spend part of the next six months deciding whether he wanted to extend his seven-year tenure. "I'll just make up my own mind," he said. "It might be a move in six months. But I'll make up my mind. I'll have a look at where I've been and where I want to go ... and I'll continue in that way."Fletcher has already met with England management following Monday's 206-run loss in the third Test at the WACA Ground, but was adamant he still had the desire to continue coaching the side

"From the coaching point of view I speak to the players and I still have their confidence," he said.

Fletcher defended the controversial selections of Ashley Giles and wicketkeeper Geraint Jones over Panesar and Chris Read respectively. — AP

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