Fletcher appointed coach of Indian cricket team

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Former England cricket coach Duncan Fletcher was on Wednesday appointed as India's new coach, board officials announced, less than one month after the country won the World Cup on home soil.

India had been on the look-out to replace Gary Kirsten who stepped down from the role following his success in guiding the cricket-crazy nation to victory in the showpiece event.

Fletcher, a former Zimbabwean all-rounder who came to prominence as a coach when reviving the England team over several years and helping them regain the Ashes in 2005, has been appointed to his new role on a two-year contract.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary N. Srinivasan made the announcement in Mumbai, naming Fletcher over other possible choices including New Zealander Stephen Fleming and Zimbabwean Andy Flower.

Fletcher, a taciturn 62-year-old, takes over one of the most high-pressure jobs in cricket with India due to tour the West Indies in June followed by an important tour of England from July to September.

"The contract with Fletcher is for two years. He may not join the team in the West Indies as he has some prior commitments," Srinivasan told reporters after a BCCI meeting.

India are currently ranked number one in Test cricket, and number two in one-day internationals.