Duncan Fletcher (England)

Duncan Fletcher

Lauded after masterminding the 2005 Ashes victory, the Zimbabwean has come under some criticism for England's latest defeats to Australia. Despite all the progress with the Test team England's progress in the one-day game is less encouraging.

John Buchanan (Australia)

Buchanan, it is argued, has the easiest job in cricket coaching the all-conquering Aussies. The former teacher and university lecturer has a great belief in empowering his players to express themselves and encourages all his squad to take responsibility. Has kept Australia on top of the world over the last eight years.

Tom Moody (Sri Lanka)

The former Australia batsman's reputation as a coach is growing rapidly and he has been talked of as a possible replacement for England's Duncan Fletcher. His work in making Sri Lanka more competitive has not gone unnoticed and has a more laid-back, cordial attitude than many of his compatriots.

Bob Woolmer (Pakistan)

Would have been another possible replacement for Fletcher, Woolmer pioneered the use of computer analysis to highlight opponents' weaknesses while coach of South Africa. Had a reputation for being creative and adventurous and believed in making practice enjoyable. Woolmer brought more organisation and stability to Pakistan.

Mickey Arthur (South Africa)

The surprise choice to succeed Ray Jennings as coach in 2005. Arthur, a strong disciplinarian, had some success at domestic level but has struggled to progress the national team much during his tenure.

Greg Chappell (India)

Greg Chappell

The Australian was a supremely talented batsman and he has turned that skill to coaching. He has done enough with India in the last two years to suggest he will retain his position after the World Cup.

John Bracewell (New Zealand)

Having guided Gloucestershire to a series of one-day trophies in the late 1990s-and early 2000s he was recruited by his country in September 2003 and has formed a good partnership with captain Stephen Fleming.

Bennett King (West Indies)

King has tackled one of the toughest jobs in world cricket admirably since taking over in 2004. He was given more power and freedom than any of his predecessors and his side have a good chance of doing well on home turf.

Gus Logie (Bermuda)

Has a top-level win on his CV after guiding West Indies to victory in the 2004 Champions Trophy but that pales into insignificance compared to the task facing Bermuda - probably the worst team to qualify for the World Cup.

Andy Pick (Canada)

The England U19 coach has taken a year-long sabbatical to help Canada as they prepare for the 2007 ICC World Cup. He is a former fast bowler who played for Nottinghamshire and England A and has been coach of the U19 set-up since 2003 after spending two and a half years as cricket coach at Bedford School. He has his work cut out in trying to get Canada past the group stages.