Donald backs Woolmer for England coaching job

Allan Donald, the former South Africa fast bowler, has said he "can't think of a more experienced coach" than Bob Woolmer to take over from Duncan Fletcher as England coach, should the position become available.

Yesterday Woolmer, the Pakistan coach who played 19 Tests for England, told The Times that he "will be open to offers after the World Cup," and that he "would be foolish not to be".

"I have always been proud of playing for England and just missed out on coaching them [in the past] because the timing was not right. Coaching is my life," he said. "It is what I do best and I am keeping fit through hitting catches and walking for 45 minutes every day, and swimming 1,200 metres every other day."

And Donald, who played under Woolmer during his tenure as Warwickshire coach in the 1990s, is certain England have a worthy replacement for Fletcher. "He is such a dedicated bloke," he said, "very professional, he understands the England system very well and will set new challenges for an England squad."

Tom Moody, the Sri Lanka coach and John Wright, the previous India coach, are two other possible names England might consider. While both have played county cricket, neither is as experienced a coach as Woolmer.