Gooch may apply for full-time selector role

Graham Gooch, the former England captain, has declared his interest in applying for the position of national selector.

The new full-time role, which will include travelling on tour with England, was introduced in November as a recommendation from the Schofield Report following England's dismal Ashes performance last winter. In the past, the chairman of selectors has stayed in England while the team has been on tour.

"The job is an attractive one if you're keen to help English cricket and have been involved in the game like I have for the past three decades," Gooch told BBC Test Match Special at the tea interval during yesterday's play at Colombo.

"We have some good young players with plenty of talent and a good pool of fast bowlers. When I was a player and a captain I always had the aspiration of making the England side the best and most respected in the world. We've a long way to go but it can be done."

Graveney, who has held the role for a decade, said last month there "are no major dramas" about reapplying for the job.

The closing date for applications is December 18 and interviews are due to start from January 7.