Donald heads list for England role

Allan Donald would bring the experience of 72 Tests if he is appointed as England's bowling coach © Getty Images

The former South African fast bowler, Allan Donald, has emerged as the favourite to replace Troy Cooley as England's fast bowling coach, according to The Times newspaper. Applications for the position don't close for another six days, but Donald has moved ahead of the other candidates, who include Kevin Shine, the Somerset academy boss.

Donald would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, although he would be coming from the opposite end of the playing spectrum to Cooley, who has been appointed to the same role with Australia. Cooley, whose last tasks will be on tour in India, had a limited first-class career with Tasmania before specialising in biomechanics and becoming the most highly respected bowling coach in the world.

Donald played 72 Tests for South Africa, taking 330 wickets, and formed one of the most powerful new-ball attacks with Shaun Pollock. He also led the Warwickshire attack during the late 80s and for large parts the 90s, and was the spearhead when they retained the County Championship in 1995.

"I am ambitious to coach international players but I can't see that happening in South Africa," Donald told the Daily Telegraph.

Since retiring from international cricket in 2003 he has worked with Warwickshire, guiding their young seam bowlers and having a major role with the second team. If Donald is appointed to the England role he will work with the next generation of fast bowlers, at the ECB Academy in Loughborough, as well as the Test attack.

The ECB are also considering appointing a replacement team analyst and assistant coach for the India tour, following the departure of Tim Boon to Leicestershire. Initially they were not going to fill the position until the summer, but now Mark Garaway, the Somerset coach, and Paul Farbrace, who works with the Kent Academy, are in line for the role.