Ashes hero Duncan Fletcher could help Kiwis as specialist consultant on India tour

WELLINGTON - Former England and South Africa coach Duncan Fletcher will reportedly join the Black Caps in India as a specialist consultant.

Fletcher is the man who inspired England’s famous Ashes series victory over Australia in 2005.

Though New Zealand Cricket officials could not be reached for comment, but a spokesperson confirmed “use of a specialist consultant” would be made public in the coming days while the side is competing in a five-match one-day series against India.

The identity of that “specialist consultant” is still confidential, although the Sunday Star-Times understands it to be former Zimbabwean international Fletcher, who coached England between 1999 and 2007.

The recruitment of Fletcher as a cricket consultant represents a major coup for the Black Caps just three months out from the world cup.

Interestingly, it was only in November last year that Fletcher’s name was linked with the vacant Black Caps’ coaching job after Andy Moles stood down from the role.

Sources suggest the relationship between New Zealand Cricket and the former England coach began during that period and has flourished, leading to the current opportunity.

Talks between the organisation and the Zimbabwean have been taking place for some time about a short-term role.

But Mark Greatbatch’s position in charge of the Black Caps unit is not thought to be in jeopardy.

Cricket insiders believe that Fletcher, given his experience, could be just the tonic to help the Black Caps as they set about trying to win their first world cup.

His appointment is not the first time New Zealand Cricket has called on the specialist services of a cricket expert from outside this country either. (ANI)