The process to find a replacement for Team India’s fielding coach Robin Singh, who is on an extension till the end of the Asia Cup, has begun rolling. After coach Gary Kirsten recommended the name of Julien Fountain for the job, the BCCI has asked the England-based specialist coach to send across his resume.While the BCCI is choosing to be tight-lipped about the development, a mere glance at Fountain’s credentials makes him a top contender for the job. He has had short stints with three cricket boards — England, West Indies and Pakistan — in his eight-year-long international career that started in 1999 in the Caribbean. Prior to that, Fountain had a long association with baseball, with work experience in the US and the UK. After his assignment as a baseball coach with the Kutshers Sports Academy in New York, he went on to be in charge of the Great Britain Olympic team in the early nineties. Fountain’s last international assignment was with a Stanford T20 side in the West Indies and he is currently working with Middlesex. It is learnt that Robin will continue to be with the team until the BCCI takes a decision on Fountain. In Pakistan, where Fountain had two stints, in 2001 and 2006, as a specalised coach of the national side and the A team, there are many who appreciate his work. Mudassar Nazar, the former Pakistan A coach who has worked closely with Fountain, told The Indian Express: “He is an asset for any team. He is very innovative and sets the highest standards.”Former CEO of the PCB, Rameez Raja, elaborated: “Fountain worked extensively with junior cricketers here in Pakistan and he was really impressive. From what I’ve personally experienced, he is a great fielding coach, he’s got some really good drills.”Fountain has also worked in developing Level II and Level III coaching modules of the England Cricket Board and is also connected to the PCB’s National Cricket Academy. Kirsten and his assistant Paddy Upton have both reportedly briefed the board on Fountain. The duo plan to have fitness and fielding on top of their priority list and that means the need for a top top-level specialist. “Support staff plays a very important role. Given the standard and pace of international cricket these days, the players need to be taken care of,” says Kirsten.Fountain of experience• 1989-1992 & 2003: Great Britan Olympic baseball team• 1994: Kutshers Sports Academy, New York as baseball coach• 1998-2001 & 2007: The West Indies cricket team• 2007: Stanford 20/20• 2001: Pakistan cricket team and also connected to PCB’s National Cricket Academy• 1996 - 2008: With ECB. Worked with A team, under-19, Worcestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and played a big role in developing ECB’s coaching module. Presently with Middlesex
