Buchanan backs Flower for England job

John Buchanan has added his voice to the chorus of those backing Andy Flower for the England coaching position. Buchanan, who was himself approached to take on the role by the ECB's head-hunting firm, suggested Flower's inside knowledge of England's personnel and structures would ensure a smoother transition in an Ashes year.

"Obviously Andy Flower, who is currently doing the job and was assistant coach prior to previous coach leaving, has a good insight into how the team operates and the sort of dynamic he would like, and therefore the sort of structure and people he would like around him," Buchanan told Cricinfo's Switch Hit podcast. "I guess he would have the inside running. As I've read, there seem to be some very good candidates and that's a very important thing in terms of making the final selection. But probably even more important than the right person is getting the right structure in and around the team."

The ECB will begin interviewing the short-list of candidates for the national coaching job in the coming days. Flower remains the warm favourite to assume on a full-time basis the position he has held in an interim capacity since Peter Moores' inglorious departure in January, although John Wright is not without his supporters.

Wright, the former coach of India and current high performance manager of New Zealand Cricket, achieved great success during his days with the BCCI and represents a "clean slate" option to an England team that is carrying its share of baggage following the damaging Pietersen-Moores split. He was reluctant to discuss his interest in the England job when contacted by Cricinfo during the week, but sources in New Zealand have confirmed he is eager to take on the role if appointed by the ECB.

Buchanan, meanwhile, reiterated his desire to join the ECB in a consultancy capacity ahead of this year's Ashes series. Hugh Morris, the managing director of England cricket, last week told the Guardian he was keen to hire Buchanan - who, until recently, worked with Cricket Australia in a similar role - and the former Australian coach is amenable to the idea.

"Certainly, yes, I am very interested in taking on some sort of consultancy role if that's what the ECB are to pursue," Buchanan said. "I'm keen to talk to them about that and how I might possibly assist their cricket in whatever way that might be."