Duncan Fletcher is to be the new England coach, it was announced today.

Fletcher, 50, currently coaching Glamorgan and Western Province, has signed a two year agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and will take up his new position at the end of the current English domestic season.

His first official task as England coach will be to join the England squad to tour South Africa and Zimbabwe this winter.

In announcing Fletcher's appointment, ECB Chief Executive Tim Lamb said: ``We are delighted Duncan has accepted our invitation to help take the England side into the new millennium.

``He has a proven track-record as a winner and is someone who can ensure that players make maximum use of their talent.

``We are very pleased to have secured his services and are confident he can play a major part in helping us to get back to winning ways.''

Fletcher said: ``There is no doubt that in this country we have a group of very talented players but it is no secret that over the past few years what has been lacking is consistency.

``My job will be to try and ensure we achieve a greater level of consistency in our performances so that we can do justice to that talent.

``The job of England coach is a big one, I am under no illusions about that, but it is also a tremendous challenge and one I am looking forward to immensely.

``A strong England team will benefit the whole game, both domestically and internationally. It is something we all want to see and I am confident we can achieve that aim by a combination of discipline, determination and hard work.''

He added: ``I would also like to thank Glamorgan for their understanding in this matter. I signed a new three-year agreement with them towards the end of last year, but they have made no attempt to stand in my way and have been thoroughly supportive throughout.

``I have had a wonderful time with the club, and my memories of my time there will be fond ones, even more so if we can achieve further success during my remaining three months with the County.''

As has been announced previously, Chairman of Selectors David Graveney takes charge of the England side during the forthcoming four-match Cornhill Series with New Zealand, while Graham Gooch will act as coach. The first Test starts at Edgbaston on 1 July.

Fletcher added: ``From now until the end of the season I will be concentrating my efforts with Glamorgan although, naturally, if the current England set-up want to involve me in any of their thought processes I will be happy to join in when appropriate and I would hope to meet the players at some stage during the summer.''

Fletcher's experience within the game is vast. A former Zimbabwe captain, he led them into their first World Cup campaign in 1983, and was man of the match in their opening game, a 13-run win over Australia at Trent Bridge.

Fletcher helped Glamorgan to the County Championship in 1997, his first season at the club and their first title since 1969, while during his time at Western Province (WP) (1993 - 1999) they have twice won South Africa's domestic first-class competition (in 1995/6 and 1998/9) and were crowned domestic one-day champions in 1997/8.

Players he has coached from Provincial cricket into the Test and international arena while at WP include Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Paul Adams and Gary Kirsten.

Duncan will speak to the media at a press conference at the ECB's offices at Lord's on Friday 25 June at 12 noon.