Coach stays uptight after win

England cricket coach Duncan Fletcher said here on Tuesday he was unable to enjoy the celebrations that followed England's fifth Test victory and 3-1 series win over the West Indies.

"I felt a little flat after beating the West Indies," he admitted. "It is important to stay on an even keel in the dressing room, not to get too excited or not get too low and I think it's important for the players that you stay that way.

"But it takes a bit of effort to do that because within yourself you're excited and you're a bit nervous, but you're trying to stay relaxed and now that it's over the stress gets the better of you and I felt a little empty."

He explained: "It's the first job I've been in, even when I was in commerce and at Western Province, that I've not really been able to switch off.

"I've always been able to go on leave and have the ability to close the door and relax. I have had a few days off from this when I was in Cape Town before the start of the season, but I found it difficult to relax," said the former Zimbabwe captain.

"I've had a few games of golf this year and I've hit a shot and walked down the fairway, but by the time I've reached the ball, I've forgotten I've walked up to it because I'm thinking all the time about our batting order or the selection of the side.

"This really is a very challenging job, but I've enjoyed it although it has been very hard work - the whole time you're thinking and questioning yourself."

Fletcher was unsure about taking the England job after seeing the team lose last summer's Test series against New Zealand.

"I was having nightmares about whether I'd made the right decision or not," he admitted. "It was a huge decision to make.

"I realised what an immense job it was and what a responsibility there was to it and looking at it now, I'm glad I've taken it. The main reason for that is that I've really enjoyed working with the players in that changing room.

He is now halfway through a two-year contract which ends after next summer's Ashes series, although Fletcher is expected to agree an extension and believes the nucleus of a successful side is now in place.

Beating West Indies in English conditions, though, does not compare to beating Pakistan on their home soil or combating the mercurial skills of Muttiah Muralitharan during three Tests and one-day internationals in Sri Lanka after New Year.

"I think things are going to get harder and harder," he added. "We're going on a difficult tour, but having won this now, the guys will have a lot of confidence - I could see it in them last (Tuesday) night. "There has been a feeling of confidence in the side for the last three days.

"There was a little bit of doubt about whether they could do it and win the series and now they have done it I think they will really believe in themselves and go on from here."

Mail Cricket Editor