Marsh likely to replace Jennings?

Rod Marsh: a new assignment beckons? © Getty Images Enlarge

Rod Marsh is the most likely contender to replace Ray Jennings as the coach of South Africa, reports London's Guardian newspaper. Jennings's term ends after South Africa's ongoing tour of the West Indies, and the new coach will take over from June 1.

According to the report, Marsh is the frontrunner for the post, and Steve Rixon, the former New Zealand coach, is the second favourite, although Rixon himself has dismissed such suggestions. Other reports have linked Jennings, his assistant Vincent Barnes and provincial coach Mickey Arthur with the full-time post.

Marsh, 57, is currently the director of the ECB academy in England, but his term is due to end in September and, with the ECB already having named Peter Moores as his successor, there is speculation that Marsh might be released from his contract a few months before his term runs out.

Jennings has applied for another stint with the South African team as well, but he is unlikely to get the post, with reports of a rift between him and some of the senior players. Jennings and Vincent Barnes, the assistant coach, have both been interviewed for the job. The newspaper also mentioned that Corrie van Zyl, who was earlier in the running, withdrew his application a couple of days back, leaving Eastern Cape's Mickey Arthur as the only viable South African candidate.

South Africa have slid down the ratings in both Test cricket and one-dayers in the last couple of years, but under Jennings they have shown signs of a revival. Under his guidance, South Africa have won four Tests, lost three and drawn four. South Africa have also enjoyed one-day success under him, beating England 4-1 before thrashing Zimbabwe 3-0.

Marsh was unavailable for comment, but Rixon told BBC Sport that he has not even been contacted by South African authorities. "I haven't been in contact with the South African board," said Rixon, who is currently Surrey's manager. "The rumours are untrue."