Team India's new coach : Duncan Fletcher

Former England coach and Zimbabwe captain Duncan Fletcherwas on Wednesday selected as coach of the Indian cricket team.

Fletcher's name was finalised during a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) working committee. Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower were the other contenders for the job.

Former India coach Gary Kirsten after winning the World Cup.

Fletcher replaces South African Gary Kirsten, who led India to the World Cup victory. "The contract with Fletcher is for two years. He may not join the team in the West Indies (tour) as he has some prior commitments," BCCI Secretary N. Srinivasan said.

Eric Simons will continue as the bowling coach of the Indian team.

Fletcher, 62, captained Zimbabwe during the 1983 World Cup and played just six one-dayers during the African nation's pre-Test days.

As coach for England, the high points of his career was England's Ashes triumph over Australia in the home series of 2005, England's first series win in West Indies in 36 years and taking England to the third spot in Test rankings. He also guided England to eight straight Test wins.

Fletcher has a tough job ahead of him as he replaces Kirsten, who set a high benchmark for the Indian team and completed his stint with the memorable World Cup triumph earlier this month.