ECB seek extension to Fletcher contract

Tim Lamb, the chief executive of the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is planning to meet with Duncan Fletcher ahead of England's winter tours, in an attempt to secure an extension to his contract.

Fletcher, England's coach since the trip to South Africa in 1999-2000, has been instrumental in reviving the fortunes of the team since their debacle against New Zealand in 1999, a 2-1 series defeat that left England rated as the worst side in international cricket. His current contract expires in September 2004, but the ECB want him in charge for the arrival of the Australians in 2005.

"He hasn't given us any indication in the past that he is not willing to continue," said Lamb. "But we need to speak to him to determine what he wants. We would like to sort this out before the start of England's tour, but if not I will be in Dhaka for the first Test against Bangladesh if we need to dot the i's or cross the t's on anything."

There had been increased speculation that, after four years in charge, Fletcher would have been ready to return to coach at domestic level, where he made his name in taking Glamorgan to the championship in 1997. The resignation of Nasser Hussain, with whom Fletcher enjoyed a fruitful partnership, was another factor to take into consideration. But Fletcher said he was ready to talk about staying on.

"It's up to the ECB," he said. "There's probably only been two sentences passed between us when they've turned around and asked what I wanted to do. I feel confident in the side that's here and what I've got to offer. There's a lot of work to be done and I can contribute to helping those cricketers in that side."