26 April,2011 07:56 AM IST | | Bipin Dani
India coach candidate Fletcher to meet South African official soon for Proteas' job
The unhurried approach of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in hiring a successor to Gary Kirsten could prove them costly.
For, Duncan Fletcher, on the BCCI's shortlist to coach the Indian team and reportedly recommended by Kirsten himself, has emerged as the top candidate with the South African board as well.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) are scouting for a replacement for Corrie van Zyl, who was appointed in early 2010 on an interim basis after Mickey Arthur quit as chief coach in controversial circumstances.
"We have shortlisted seven candidates and Fletcher is one of them. He is scheduled to appear for an interview on May 16 or 17," AK Khan, acting president of the CSA, said from Durban yesterday.
"I don't know whether Fletcher is also on the BCCI's wish-list, but there are several vacancies and good coaches who are on demand are free to apply everywhere.
"We may be able to announce the name of our new coach by the end of May. And yes, Kirsten will also to be interviewed," he added.
During his tenure as England coach, former Zimbabwe captain Fletcher helped the team rise to second in Test rankings. Following England's successful Ashes campaign in 2005, he was awarded British citizenship.
Among the other candidates shortlisted by the CSA are: Tom Moody, Kenneth Jennings (brother of former SAu00a0 coach Ray Jennings), Dave Nosworthy and Richard Pybus.
