FORMER England coach Duncan Fletcher will make a shock return to domestic cricket with Hampshire - in a part-time role.

The 60-year-old will assist new Hampshire manager Giles White as a consultant, his first job for 18 months.

Cape Town-based Fletcher has turned down offers to coach two South African provinces and an Indian Premier League franchise since his England career ended after the 2007 World Cup exit.

But he was keen for Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove to know of his interest in the Rose Bowl vacancy soon after Paul Terry resigned as manager on August 11.

Bransgrove flew out to see Fletcher and discuss his long-term plans for Hampshire last month and will end his two-month search for Terry’s replacement by confirming the appointment later today.

Fletcher will provide the ideal sounding board for 36-year-old White, who oversaw Hampshire's nine-match unbeaten run in all cricket after being promoted from second XI coach to replace Terry as caretaker-manager.

Former Sussex captain Chris Adams was in the frame but he and the rest of the other candidates were notified of Bransgrove’s decision at the end of last week.

Bransgrove said: "We’ve had several high-quality applicants."

See Monday's Daily Echo for full story