Name:

Fletcher, Duncan Andrew Gwynne

Date of Birth:

27 Sep 1948

Gender:

Men

Place of Birth:

Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia

Career:

ODI: 1983 - 1983
Mixed: 2011 - 2015
Mixed: 2011 - 2015

Teams:

Zimbabwe (Country)

Fletcher: Gambhir needs to be more positive (SCG)

Duncan Andrew Gwynne Fletcher (born 27 September 1948 in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, now Harare) is a former Zimbabwean cricketer and one of the most influential coaches of the modern era.

A left-hand batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler, he played 111 first-class matches for Rhodesia, scoring 4,095 runs and taking 215 wickets. He played only six ODIs for Zimbabwe, all in 1983, but made a significant impact as captain.

Fletcher’s defining moment as a player came in the 1983 World Cup, when Zimbabwe stunned Australia at Trent Bridge. Fletcher scored an unbeaten 69 and took 4/42, earning Player of the Match honours. Zimbabwe had qualified for the tournament by winning the 1982 ICC Trophy, with Fletcher leading the side as captain.

After retiring from playing, Fletcher moved into coaching, enjoying successful spells with Western Province and Glamorgan before becoming England’s coach in 1999—the first overseas coach appointed by England. He helped transform England’s Test fortunes, overseeing series victories in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa and the West Indies. His greatest achievement came in 2005, when England defeated Australia 2–1 to regain the Ashes for the first time in 18 years.

Fletcher was awarded an OBE for services to cricket in 2006.

Fletcher remained England coach until 2007 and subsequently coached India from 2011 to 2015, succeeding Gary Kirsten. His tenure included India’s unbeaten triumph in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

He became particularly noted for meticulous preparation, tactical planning and intensive one-to-one work with players, although his relationship with the media was often difficult.

Playing and coaching record

• ODIs: 6 matches, 191 runs at 47.75; 7 wickets at 31.57
• First-class: 111 matches, 4,095 runs and 215 wickets
• Best ODI performance: 69* and 4/42 vs Australia, 1983 World Cup
• England coach: 1999–2007
• India coach: 2011–2015
• Major coaching achievements: 2005 Ashes and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy