Eight years on

There has been a fair bit of ridicule directed at Duncan Fletcher in the past couple of months, but today offers the chance to reflect on how far he brought England. On this day in 1999, Fletcher's first Test in charge of England ended in an innings defeat by South Africa in Johannesburg, cementing the country's hard-earned place as the worst of the Test-playing nations.

As far as good starts to an era go, England being four wickets down for two runs is sort of up there with the Titanic's maiden voyage, but Fletcher turned England round and even after the recent ups and downs they still sit in second place in the world rankings (although India could move above them if they win their series against Pakistan 3-0). A lot of good players were developed and structures put in place to help them to thrive. That Australia remain so far out in front of the pack is due to their strength not so much our weakness.

Fletcher was helped by having a stubborn captain in Nasser Hussain, who taught the team how to scrap for a draw, followed by a man who taught them how to win. This day in 1999 marked the end of Michael Vaughan's debut Test match and he has undeniably been one of Fletcher's great successes. Chris Adams and Gavin Hamilton were less of a wise pick.

Comments

[Angus]

Gavin Hamilton is a legend! He should have been given a chance in some one-dayers. But that was back in the day when players were tossed about willy-nilly, and I don't think they had the academy.

At least Chris Adams had chances.