Fletcher's sacking not a solution to England's woes: Atherton

London, Dec 17 (UNI) The mounting attacks on Duncan Fletcher surprise former England captain Michael Atherton, who feels the under-fire coach, despite his ridiculous selection decisions in the Ashes, has done enough to deserve some respect from critics gunning for his head.

''This atavistic desire for blood never ceases to amaze me. It seems that no failed expedition is complete until blood has been spilt and jobs have been lost. Will all of England's woes suddenly evaporate with a new coach at the helm? Will players suddenly rediscover the inner desire that lifted them to the pinnacle of achievement?'' Atherton wrote in his column for the 'Sunday Telegraph'.

Atherton said though Fletcher will have to explain why he kept Monty Panesar out for an ineffective Ashley Giles in the first two Tests at Brisbane and Adelaide, the coach should not be made a scapegoat for England's horrible show Down Under.

The former captain said he was surprised to see skipper Andrew Flintoff being let off without any criticism despite his not-so-impressive performance in the tour so far.

''In the 10 days or so after the Adelaide defeat all guns have been pointing towards Fletcher. In Australia, the attacks have been equally pointed. Andrew Flintoff is still a virtual untouchable here -- any other England captain who has batted as Flintoff has throughout this trip might have expected a little tap -- and so it is the coach who has been copping the flak,'' he said.

Fletcher's selection goof ups are being seen as the reason behind England's pathetic show by critics and former players, who have called for his sacking. Monty Panesar's impressive Ashes debut has only added fuel to the fire.

''The team's initial improvement on the first day in Perth did not ease the pressure. Monty Panesar was carefully chaperoned around his press commitments after his dramatic entrance on to the Ashes stage so that, presumably, he wouldn't say anything to embarrass England's think-tank.

Atherton, however, felt those calling for Fletcher's sacking should perhaps lower their expectations from the team, which on current form, can never be a world beater.

The former captain said instead of ridiculing Fltecher, England should recall how the coach helped rebuild a team which was until some time down in the dumps.

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