Emburey rules himself out of India's search for a coach

John Emburey: staying put © Getty Images

Less than 24 hours after Graham Ford turned the job of India coach down, John Emburey, the other candidate interviewed last week by the Indian board, ended speculation that he was in the running for the role.

"In response to this speculation, John met with Vinny Codrington, the chief executive of Middlesex, and told him that he does not want to leave Middlesex and wishes to continue as director of cricket," a statement from the county said. "John would like to emphasise that at no point was he offered the role of India's coach and would like to thank the BCCI for the opportunity to interview for the position."

Emburey, who had been considered a surprising candidate for the vacancy, said: "I have just got my teeth into a big new challenge at Middlesex and want to stay to complete the job and extend my 36-year association with the club."

The Indian board is, to all intents and purposes, now back where it started and, having picked the Test and one-day squads for the UK tour today, has decided to appoint an interim cricket manager.