Former Australia coach to work with England
Buchanan will work with the ECB for a month this summer
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Wednesday, 10, Jun 2009 10:15
Former Australian coach John Buchanan has agreed to work with the England and Wales Cricket Board in a consultancy role.
Buchanan will largely be working with England's academy and youth sides, something he also did this winter, but is not expected to help advise the senior side ahead of the Ashes.
There had been some shock that Buchanan, who left the Aussie national side following their World Cup victory in 2007, would accept such a position just before the historic series.
However, Buchanan is adamant he should be able to work with whoever he likes no that he is a free agent.
The 56-year-old said there was enthusiasm from both himself and the ECB to continue the working relationship they began in the winter.
Although Buchanan says his current trip will focus on the youth side, he did not rule out working with the senior side in the future.
Buchanan told Cricino.com: "Both myself and the ECB have indicated that in terms of their elite programme I could fulfil a role. I will fly over on June 28th, have a good look at the elite programme, and sit down with them to see what potentially lies ahead.
"This trip will be largely about looking at the coaching programmes, and working with the Under-19s and the [England] Lions team."
Buchanan turned down the chance to take over from Peter Moores but says he is interested in working with the ECB in some capacity.
"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to get over there and look at the general set-up," he added.
"I think it's fair to say that there has been a fair amount of interest from both parties, and I suppose the situation will become clearer in early July."
Buchanan became Australian coach in 1999 and won three Ashes series and two World Cup's during his time in charge.