London, Nov.18 Former England cricket coach Duncan Fletcher's association with the Proteas' is being considered of great help for the hosts ahead of the five match one-day series.

England cruised to a four wicket win against South Africa A in a practice match, but not before Fletcher, who has been working as a part-time consultant for South Africa for the past 12 months, took some notes of chinks in the English armoury.

It was Kevin Pietersen who spotted Fletcher in the pavilion, as he called out: "Ah, it's the Silver Fox."

Fletcher's presence in the stands has worried captain Andrew Strauss, who is already battling number of issues in the team.

While Pietersen has been declared fit for the Friday's encounter, there's more worry for Strauss with Alastair Cook developing a stiff back.

Even Proteas coach Mickey Arthur has admitted that Fletcher's association with the team has helped them a lot.

"It's been good having Duncan around. He worked with the senior side at our training session this morning and I brought him here as I wanted to discuss a few things," The Sun quoted Arthur, as saying.

"Having Duncan on board is a no-brainer. I'd be lying if I didn't say that, when we signed Duncan for the Australia series last year, we weren't thinking of England," he added. (ANI)