A rollercoaster ride
ESPNcricinfo staff
19-Apr-2007
ESPNcricinfo charts the highs and lows of Duncan Fletcher's time as player and coach; from leading Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup to his appointment as India coach, and the eventful eight years as England coach in between
June 1983
Duncan Fletcher captained Zimbabwe to one of the World Cup's greatest upsets, scoring an unbeaten 69 and snagging 4 for 42 as his side beat Australia at Trent Bridge.
Duncan Fletcher captained Zimbabwe to one of the World Cup's greatest upsets, scoring an unbeaten 69 and snagging 4 for 42 as his side beat Australia at Trent Bridge.
1993
Fletcher took over as South Africa domestic side Western Province's coach, steering the team to titles in both the first-class and limited-overs competitions during his stint.
Fletcher took over as South Africa domestic side Western Province's coach, steering the team to titles in both the first-class and limited-overs competitions during his stint.
1997
Glamorgan appointed Fletcher as coach. The side won their first county championship since 1969 during Fletcher's first year in charge.
Glamorgan appointed Fletcher as coach. The side won their first county championship since 1969 during Fletcher's first year in charge.
June 1999
Fletcher was appointed in place of David Lloyd following England's first-round exit from the World Cup. However, he didn't take charge until the end of the summer as England lost 2-1 against New Zealand and were officially ranked as the worst Test team in the world.
Fletcher was appointed in place of David Lloyd following England's first-round exit from the World Cup. However, he didn't take charge until the end of the summer as England lost 2-1 against New Zealand and were officially ranked as the worst Test team in the world.
October 1999
Fletcher's first tour as England coach was to South Africa. On the opening morning of his first Test in charge England's scoreline read 2 for 4 at the Wanderers. Michael Vaughan was handed his debut. South Africa took the series 2-1, England's consolation victory at Centurion Park later proved to be central to the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal. However, there were early signs of a strong working relationship with Nasser Hussain.
Fletcher's first tour as England coach was to South Africa. On the opening morning of his first Test in charge England's scoreline read 2 for 4 at the Wanderers. Michael Vaughan was handed his debut. South Africa took the series 2-1, England's consolation victory at Centurion Park later proved to be central to the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal. However, there were early signs of a strong working relationship with Nasser Hussain.
May 2000
England secured their first Test series win under Fletcher, 1-0 against Zimbabwe.
England secured their first Test series win under Fletcher, 1-0 against Zimbabwe.
July 2000
Fletcher plucked Marcus Trescothick out of county cricket for the Natwest Series. Trescothick scored 79 on debut against Zimbabwe and went on to add 66 on Test debut against West Indies at Old Trafford.
Fletcher plucked Marcus Trescothick out of county cricket for the Natwest Series. Trescothick scored 79 on debut against Zimbabwe and went on to add 66 on Test debut against West Indies at Old Trafford.
September 2000
England reclaimed the Wisden Trophy with victory over West Indies for the first time in 31 years. Fletcher built a core of experienced players including Andrew Caddick, Darren Gough, Alec Stewart and Graham Thorpe.
England reclaimed the Wisden Trophy with victory over West Indies for the first time in 31 years. Fletcher built a core of experienced players including Andrew Caddick, Darren Gough, Alec Stewart and Graham Thorpe.
December 2000
Helped mastermind England's first Test victory in Pakistan for 39 years as they won in the dark at Karachi. The batsmen used a 'forward press' introduced by Fletcher and were able to combat the spin threat of Saqlain Mushtaq.
Helped mastermind England's first Test victory in Pakistan for 39 years as they won in the dark at Karachi. The batsmen used a 'forward press' introduced by Fletcher and were able to combat the spin threat of Saqlain Mushtaq.
March 2001
England completed a winter Test series double over subcontinental teams, beating Sri Lanka 2-1 in a heated contest.
England completed a winter Test series double over subcontinental teams, beating Sri Lanka 2-1 in a heated contest.
July 2001
Fortunes started to slip as England lost every match in the Natwest Series against Australia and Pakistan.
Fortunes started to slip as England lost every match in the Natwest Series against Australia and Pakistan.
August 2001
Ashes were surrendered in 11 playing days, but the team avoided a whitewash as Mark Butcher lead the run-chase at Headingley.
Ashes were surrendered in 11 playing days, but the team avoided a whitewash as Mark Butcher lead the run-chase at Headingley.
Fletcher called for England to play more one-day cricket and a five-match series against Zimbabwe was shoe-horned in ahead of the tour of India. England won 5-0.
November 2001
England headed to India without Gough and Caddick. Fletcher quickly realised he needed extra pace bowling and called up Andrew Flintoff from the Academy in Adelaide.
England headed to India without Gough and Caddick. Fletcher quickly realised he needed extra pace bowling and called up Andrew Flintoff from the Academy in Adelaide.
June 2002
Home series against Sri Lanka was won 2-0 with much talk about England's young pacemen; Flintoff, Matthew Hoggard, Alex Tudor and Simon Jones.
Home series against Sri Lanka was won 2-0 with much talk about England's young pacemen; Flintoff, Matthew Hoggard, Alex Tudor and Simon Jones.
October 2002
England's one-day form continued to be poor as they didn't progress beyond the group stage of the Champions Trophy.
England's one-day form continued to be poor as they didn't progress beyond the group stage of the Champions Trophy.
December 2002
Ashes were again decided in 11 days; England used 17 players as a huge injury list piled up.
Ashes were again decided in 11 days; England used 17 players as a huge injury list piled up.
January 2003
England avoided the whitewash as they won at Sydney. Fletcher said it was a sign of what was possible, especially when Australia were without Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.
England avoided the whitewash as they won at Sydney. Fletcher said it was a sign of what was possible, especially when Australia were without Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.
March 2003
Another World Cup campaign descended into chaos, this time because England refused to play in Zimbabwe and forfeited the points. They memorably beat Pakistan in Cape Town, but didn't progress after defeats against India and Australia. Nasser Hussain resigned as one-day captain, but continued as Test skipper.
Another World Cup campaign descended into chaos, this time because England refused to play in Zimbabwe and forfeited the points. They memorably beat Pakistan in Cape Town, but didn't progress after defeats against India and Australia. Nasser Hussain resigned as one-day captain, but continued as Test skipper.
May 2003
England began the summer under split captains; Hussain for Test matches and Michael Vaughan for ODIs.
England began the summer under split captains; Hussain for Test matches and Michael Vaughan for ODIs.
July 2003
Hussain stood down as Test captain following the first Test against South Africa, replaced by Vaughan who had won the Natwest Series and Natwest Challenge the previous month.
Hussain stood down as Test captain following the first Test against South Africa, replaced by Vaughan who had won the Natwest Series and Natwest Challenge the previous month.
September 2003
England twice came from behind to draw the series against South Africa. Flintoff smashed 95 at The Oval during Alec Stewart's final Test.
England twice came from behind to draw the series against South Africa. Flintoff smashed 95 at The Oval during Alec Stewart's final Test.
November/December 2003
Fletcher's first tour with Vaughan as captain, in Bangladesh, and a new fitness regime was instilled on the team. Comfortable victory in Bangladesh, but defeated in Tests and one-dayers in Sri Lanka.
Fletcher's first tour with Vaughan as captain, in Bangladesh, and a new fitness regime was instilled on the team. Comfortable victory in Bangladesh, but defeated in Tests and one-dayers in Sri Lanka.
March 2004
The beginning of Fletcher's golden period as coach as the team won 3-0 in the Caribbean, for the first time since 1967-68. England's fearsome foursome - Harmison, Hoggard, Flintoff and Jones - took shape under the guidance of Troy Cooley.
The beginning of Fletcher's golden period as coach as the team won 3-0 in the Caribbean, for the first time since 1967-68. England's fearsome foursome - Harmison, Hoggard, Flintoff and Jones - took shape under the guidance of Troy Cooley.
May-September 2004
England completed a 7-0 clean-sweep of Tests during the home season (three against New Zealand, four against West Indies). However, their one-day form remained poor as they failed to make the Natwest Series final.
England completed a 7-0 clean-sweep of Tests during the home season (three against New Zealand, four against West Indies). However, their one-day form remained poor as they failed to make the Natwest Series final.
September 2004
A sudden upturn in one-day performances as England reached the Champions Trophy final after a semi-final victory against Australia. They lost to West Indies, in near darkness, at The Oval despite having the match under control.
A sudden upturn in one-day performances as England reached the Champions Trophy final after a semi-final victory against Australia. They lost to West Indies, in near darkness, at The Oval despite having the match under control.
January 2005
England's run of 13 Tests without defeat ended at Newlands, but they returned to form to claim the series against South Africa 2-1, a first series victory in 40 years. The subsequent one-day series was lost 4-1, despite Kevin Pietersen's three centuries.
England's run of 13 Tests without defeat ended at Newlands, but they returned to form to claim the series against South Africa 2-1, a first series victory in 40 years. The subsequent one-day series was lost 4-1, despite Kevin Pietersen's three centuries.
May/June 2005
England warmed up for the Ashes by beating Bangladesh 2-0 and securing a tie in the Natwest Series final against Australia.
England warmed up for the Ashes by beating Bangladesh 2-0 and securing a tie in the Natwest Series final against Australia.
July 2005
Kevin Pietersen was preferred to Graham Thorpe for first Ashes Test, Thorpe promptly retired and England were thrashed by 239 runs.
Kevin Pietersen was preferred to Graham Thorpe for first Ashes Test, Thorpe promptly retired and England were thrashed by 239 runs.
August 2005
Fletcher backed his players and told them to get away from the spotlight. England won at Edgbaston by two runs, in what was quickly called "The Greatest Test", then they came within one wicket of victory at Old Trafford. More nerves were frayed at Trent Bridge as England squeezed home by three wickets to lead the series 2-1.
Fletcher backed his players and told them to get away from the spotlight. England won at Edgbaston by two runs, in what was quickly called "The Greatest Test", then they came within one wicket of victory at Old Trafford. More nerves were frayed at Trent Bridge as England squeezed home by three wickets to lead the series 2-1.
September 2005
The Ashes were regained with a draw at The Oval. The following day the team were carried through London on an open-top bus to a party at Trafalgar Square. Later, there was an audience with the Prime Minister at Downing Street. Fletcher was very quickly granted British Citizenship.
The Ashes were regained with a draw at The Oval. The following day the team were carried through London on an open-top bus to a party at Trafalgar Square. Later, there was an audience with the Prime Minister at Downing Street. Fletcher was very quickly granted British Citizenship.
December 2005
The first Test series since the Ashes ended in a 2-0 defeat against Pakistan. Fletcher awarded an OBE in New Year's Honours List.
The first Test series since the Ashes ended in a 2-0 defeat against Pakistan. Fletcher awarded an OBE in New Year's Honours List.
March 2006
England levelled the series in India with Flintoff as skipper following injury to Vaughan and Trescothick's illness. Fletcher hailed his young players, who included Alastair Cook and Monty Panesar. Their one-day form remained poor - the series was lost 5-1 - but Fletcher claimed to know his best team. "We have a very good idea of what our strongest one-day side is. If everyone's fit and ready to go there is probably only one position we would want to look at sometime over the coming weeks."
England levelled the series in India with Flintoff as skipper following injury to Vaughan and Trescothick's illness. Fletcher hailed his young players, who included Alastair Cook and Monty Panesar. Their one-day form remained poor - the series was lost 5-1 - but Fletcher claimed to know his best team. "We have a very good idea of what our strongest one-day side is. If everyone's fit and ready to go there is probably only one position we would want to look at sometime over the coming weeks."
May/June 2006
Fletcher continued to be without Vaughan as Sri Lanka fought back to level series 1-1. England lost the Natwest Series 5-0, calling up the likes of Tim Bresnan, Alex Loudon, Kabir Ali and Vikram Solanki. Serious questions were raised about whether Fletcher knew the team he wanted for the World Cup.
Fletcher continued to be without Vaughan as Sri Lanka fought back to level series 1-1. England lost the Natwest Series 5-0, calling up the likes of Tim Bresnan, Alex Loudon, Kabir Ali and Vikram Solanki. Serious questions were raised about whether Fletcher knew the team he wanted for the World Cup.
August 2006
Andrew Strauss was the fourth captain of the year as England claimed their first Test series win since the Ashes with 3-0 a victory over Pakistan. Panesar was central to the victory at Old Trafford but Fletcher questioned his value on non-spin friendly surfaces. Panesar then bowled England to victory on the final day at Headingley. Fletcher sang his praises: "As a finger spinner there is probably no one to match him in world cricket at the moment."
Andrew Strauss was the fourth captain of the year as England claimed their first Test series win since the Ashes with 3-0 a victory over Pakistan. Panesar was central to the victory at Old Trafford but Fletcher questioned his value on non-spin friendly surfaces. Panesar then bowled England to victory on the final day at Headingley. Fletcher sang his praises: "As a finger spinner there is probably no one to match him in world cricket at the moment."
October 2006
Flintoff was named captain for the Ashes. England predictably crashed out of the Champions Trophy in the first round, but decided to fly home for five days before jetting off to Australia.
Flintoff was named captain for the Ashes. England predictably crashed out of the Champions Trophy in the first round, but decided to fly home for five days before jetting off to Australia.
November 2006
Fletcher insisted England's preparations for the Ashes were suitable; a one-day match and two three-day games. Panesar and Chris Read, who played key roles against Pakistan, were omitted in favour of Ashley Giles and Geraint Jones. The first Test was lost by 277 runs; Giles 1-113, Jones 19 and 33.
Fletcher insisted England's preparations for the Ashes were suitable; a one-day match and two three-day games. Panesar and Chris Read, who played key roles against Pakistan, were omitted in favour of Ashley Giles and Geraint Jones. The first Test was lost by 277 runs; Giles 1-113, Jones 19 and 33.
December 2006
England conspired to lose the Adelaide Test despite being 97 ahead with nine wickets in hand on the final morning. Panesar was finally selected at Perth, taking eight wickets, but the Ashes were relinquished.
England conspired to lose the Adelaide Test despite being 97 ahead with nine wickets in hand on the final morning. Panesar was finally selected at Perth, taking eight wickets, but the Ashes were relinquished.
January 2007
Australia completed whitewash but Fletcher insisted he would carry on, having faith in his young players. Vaughan returned to captain the one-day team. The Schofield Review was set up to examine the performance of Team England from 2003-2007.
Australia completed whitewash but Fletcher insisted he would carry on, having faith in his young players. Vaughan returned to captain the one-day team. The Schofield Review was set up to examine the performance of Team England from 2003-2007.
February 2007
England won four straight matches to steal the CB Series, 2-0 in the finals.
England won four straight matches to steal the CB Series, 2-0 in the finals.
March 2007
England lost opening World Cup match against New Zealand. Six members of the team, including Flintoff, were then caught drinking into the early hours in St Lucia. Flintoff capsized a pedalo in the sea, was stripped of the vice-captaincy and dropped for the match against Canada. England beat Canada and Kenya to move into Super Eights, but rumours abounded of a split camp and the national newspapers started to call for Fletcher to go.
England lost opening World Cup match against New Zealand. Six members of the team, including Flintoff, were then caught drinking into the early hours in St Lucia. Flintoff capsized a pedalo in the sea, was stripped of the vice-captaincy and dropped for the match against Canada. England beat Canada and Kenya to move into Super Eights, but rumours abounded of a split camp and the national newspapers started to call for Fletcher to go.
April 2007
Angus Fraser, a member of the Schofield Review committee, called for Fletcher to go in his role as cricket correspondent for The Independent. England exited the World Cup after a nine-wicket hammering by South Africa.
Angus Fraser, a member of the Schofield Review committee, called for Fletcher to go in his role as cricket correspondent for The Independent. England exited the World Cup after a nine-wicket hammering by South Africa.
November 2008
Fletcher signed on as a consultant with English county Hampshire. During the one-year term, Fletcher conducted an audit of the county's coaching procedures.
Fletcher signed on as a consultant with English county Hampshire. During the one-year term, Fletcher conducted an audit of the county's coaching procedures.
November 2008
Fletcher was drafted into the South Africa set-up as part of their preparations for the 2008-09 tour of Australia. South Africa, who ultimately won that Test series 2-1, had hoped to tap into Fletcher's experience of beating Australia in the 2005 Ashes.
Fletcher was drafted into the South Africa set-up as part of their preparations for the 2008-09 tour of Australia. South Africa, who ultimately won that Test series 2-1, had hoped to tap into Fletcher's experience of beating Australia in the 2005 Ashes.
November 2010
New Zealand Cricket recruited Fletcher as a consultant to boost their struggling team during the bilateral one-day series in India in November-December 2010. Fletcher's appointment was an attempt by the board to "keep the environment fresh" within the team, but did not work, as India registered a 5-0 whitewash.
New Zealand Cricket recruited Fletcher as a consultant to boost their struggling team during the bilateral one-day series in India in November-December 2010. Fletcher's appointment was an attempt by the board to "keep the environment fresh" within the team, but did not work, as India registered a 5-0 whitewash.
February 2011
Most recently, Fletcher returned to the role of South Africa's batting consultant during the 2011 World Cup.
Most recently, Fletcher returned to the role of South Africa's batting consultant during the 2011 World Cup.