Botham, recently appointed cricket `observer' by chairman of selectors David Graveney, reckoned Fletcher has more to offer than the other three leading candidates. Fletcher will be interviewed for the post along with Leicestershire's Jack Birkenshaw, Australian Dave Whatmore of Lancashire who led Sri Lanka to the 1996 World Cup title -- and outgoing South Africa coach Bob Woolmer.

"Fletcher's the guy I would go for," said Botham. "Duncan would come in with no pre-conceived ideas of the England camp and with no baggage and he might upset a few people because he is that type of person. He is tough, he doesn't given an inch and he doesn't expect an inch."There are those who might not welcome Duncan Fletcher because he might give certain people a kick up the backside -- and that's what's needed."