Fletcher could continue beyond 2007

Duncan Fletcher, the England coach, has suggested he could continue his role beyond the 2007 World Cup. Fletcher, born in Zimbabwe, told the Daily Mail: "I'm going through the 2007 World Cup and we'll see what happens after that. My enthusiasm is as strong as ever."

"It's also because I'm seeing our one-day side develop nicely. They have lagged behind the Test team but they're a young team and are catching up - and increasingly they're becoming the same team."

Fletcher, 57, has been an instrumental figure in England's resurgence since taking up his post in 1999, at a time when England's Test fortunes were at their lowest ebb. Remarkably, only six years later, England are now placed second in the Test table and much of the behind-the-scenes changes are Fletcher's work: it was he, for example, who helped introduce the controversial central contracts, a move which many believe has been a key factor in allowing England's Test players sufficient time to recover and recuperate in between Tests and tours.

Despite his efforts to help and improve English cricket, it was reported yesterday by the Daily Telegraph that he has been denied British citizenship. The Home Office declined to comment.