Fletcher rejects applying for SA coach role

Duncan Fletcher: happy as England coach © Getty Images Enlarge

Duncan Fletcher says he has no thoughts of applying for the role of South Africa coach, which will be advertised this week. Fletcher, who has coached England for more than five years, rejected the notion of applying for the role currently held by Ray Jennings.

"I'm not applying for it," Fletcher told a news conference in East London, where he is preparing England for the fifth ODI. "I'm with England and I'm happy to be with them."

Jennings took charge of South Africa on a temporary basis after Eric Simons stepped down in October 2004. Jennings will remain in the post until South Africa have finished touring West Indies in May, when a permanent coach will be appointed.

It has been rumoured that Jennings may not apply for the post in the light of reports that the captain Graeme Smith favours the Australian Steve Waugh to take up the role. But Jennings insisted that an application could be on the cards if he won the backing of his players.

"I will speak to the players and if they want me as a leader I will re-apply," Jennings said. "It's all about the players." He rejected suggestions that he and Smith had issues. "He's young and exciting, I challenge him and he challenges me," he added. "He sent me a text message yesterday saying: 'Coach, you're a champion'."