Tom Moody's withdrawal from the race to succeed John Buchanan as Australian cricket coach was heralded as a step toward the England job by the British Press.

An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesman told The Times newspaper Moody had not been approached "either formally or informally" and Duncan Fletcher's England post was not up for grabs.

The clamour for Fletcher's sacking has been growing throughout a nightmare tour of Australia in which his England side has been whitewashed in the Ashes series and so far outclassed in the one-day competition.

"Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, has expressed interest in the position but Moody, who, at 41, belongs to the next generation down, is a more likely replacement if the ECB decides to look beyond Peter Moores, the most plausible internal candidate as director of the National Academy," The Times said.

The Independent also said Moody was a strong contender.

"Peter Moores is the favourite to replace Fletcher, but Moody's reputation has grown after a successful spell with Sri Lanka," it reported.

And The Mirror said: "Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody kept alive his chances of taking over from England coach Duncan Fletcher by turning his back on Australia."

England chairman of selectors David Graveney said he was unaware of Fletcher's plans beyond the World Cup, starting in March, but described Moody as an outstanding coach.

"There are also plenty of other outstanding coaches and outstanding English coaches in the county system," Graveney told Radio 5 Live.

Former Worcestershire coach Moody was on a two-man shortlist to take over from Buchanan, who is stepping down after the World Cup.

Moody's decision leaves Australia's Centre of Excellence head Tim Nielsen in pole position to step into the role.

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