New contract for Fletcher

English cricket and Duncan Fletcher gave one another a ringing endorsement today as the head coach signed a staff contract with immediate effect.

Speculation had been mounting that Fletcher, whose fixed-term deal was due to expire in October next year, was ready to put pen to paper on an agreement which would see him guide England through the next two Ashes series in 2005 and 2007.

But the England and Wales Cricket Board have gone one better by appointing him on an indefinite basis, signalling their faith in his ability to oversee the national team for the foreseeable future and his willingness to do so.

England leave for the first of their three winter tours today - a two-Test trip to Bangladesh which also includes three one-day internationals - and the news will provide a lift to the squad who hold their coach in high esteem.

"The decision to move Duncan from a fixed-term contract to a 'staff' contract demonstrates the board's own commitment to him and his own commitment to the England cause," said ECB director of cricket operations John Carr.

"We believe that the new arrangement removes the scope for distracting annual speculation regarding the renewal of his contract and is a solution that works well for both Duncan and the board."

Fletcher, who became England coach four years ago, said: "This arrangement will assist me in developing a long-term plan for the England team - and I can focus fully on the challenges that lie ahead in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the West Indies this winter."