Fletcher Wants Hussain To Stay By His Side

Fletcher and Hussain have forged a successful three-year partnership - and the next six months could provide the foundation for an even healthier future.

England leave for the Ashes tour today buoyed by the news that Fletcher has agreed a one-year extension to his contract and Fletcher is determined to have one person alongside him in particular during the time he remains at the helm.

"I would like Nasser to stay on for that period," said Fletcher. "He has done a good job and I want it to carry on that way for that time."

Hussain became England captain on June 24, 1999 after a long apprenticeship as vice captain to both Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart. On that same day, the ECB also confirmed that Fletcher, then with Glamorgan, would succeed David Lloyd as coach later in the year.

Since Fletcher has grown in stature in the job and his current two-year deal was set to expire in 12 months' time, a contract that has now been extended for another year.

ECB chief executive Tim Lamb said: "Over the past three years, Duncan has proved himself to be an excellent man-manager, a sound judge of talent and an astute tactician.

"As well as forging a strong working relationship with Nasser, he has injected new ideas into the England dressing-room and a positive approach.

"The fact that numerous England players have gone on record in praising his understanding of the game speaks volumes about his ability as a coach. We are delighted to have secured Duncan's services for a further 12 months beyond next summer."

England will have four days of acclimatisation before they play their first match on Tuesday against the ACB chairman's XI in Perth with the First Test starting on November 7 in Brisbane.