Buchanan likely to work as consultant with England

Sydney, March 7 : Australia's most successful cricket coach, John Buchanan, has turned down the offer to take over as England coach for the Ashes series but is agreeable to work as a consultant.

"We have not agreed upon anything formal yet. I've had discussions with (England and Wales Cricket Board national performance director) David Parsons and brief talks with Hugh Morris," Buchanan was quoted as saying in the Australian media Saturday.

Buchanan, who in the past has worked with the British and Irish Lions rugby team, said that Cricket Australia (CA) is yet to renew his contract as the general manager of development.

"Something may eventuate, something may not. As I understand it, my (Cricket Australia) contract has not been renewed by the general manager of development. Nothing has been formally told to me, but they have not sent me a new contract, so I assume I have been pushed to one side," he said.

"The cricket world needs a strong England game. I've got some views, thoughts, ideas and opinions I think can assist them in improving their game. As I have done with cricket in Australia and in the IPL, I hope I can provide these in a way that would make a small contribution to what they hope to achieve."

--IANS