Botham

Fletcher quit as coach following England's dismal display in the World Cup, which followed their 5-0 whitewash in the Ashes last winter.

England legend Botham insists Fletcher had to go and called for his successor Peter Moores to be given time to settle into his new role.

''It's a new era now and that's quite right. The curtain had to come down on the past era,'' said Botham.

''It was past its sell-by date. Duncan Fletcher did some extremely good things for the England cricket team but everyone has a shelf life and I'm afraid his had expired.

''England were going nowhere. There was no communication and at times I think Duncan took being miserable to a new level.

''You have to communicate with people. You have to be able to talk to the media and I think Duncan didn't want to.

''In my opinion he was becoming paranoid about the media and what they were saying. That became a major concern and it possibly undermined his position. He seemed totally withdrawn and you can't be like that.

''There needed to be a change. It was quite right England reacted and we wish Peter Moores all the very best.

''He's done very well with the academy, he's well respected and I haven't heard a bad word said about him.

''Let's get behind him and give him all our support. Hopefully he'll turn things around - the players are there.''

Botham insists England's disappointing performance in Australia marked the beginning of the end for Fletcher.