Lawson eyes England coaching role

(GETTY IMAGES)

Former Australia seamer and Pakistan national coach Geoff Lawson has declared his interest in taking over as England fast bowling coach.

Lawson follows ex-South Africa paceman Allan Donald in expressing a desire to succeed Ottis Gibson.

Gibson resigned earlier this week to take over as head coach of the West Indies.

Lawson, 52, told BBC Sport: "I've been involved with the game for a long time and have a lot to offer. Without a doubt I am interested.

"I will need to look at the England and Wales Cricket Board's condition and then we'll see what happens. The feelers are already out there in some shape or form."

Lawson, who played 46 Test matches for Australia, had 10 months in charge of Pakistan before being sacked after a fall-out with the board.

Turning to an Australian prior to an Ashes series would be sure to add spice to next winter's contest.

England's attack were famously coached by an Australian in Troy Cooley during their 2005 success.

Lawson added: "The Ashes is only 10 months away and it would certainly be interesting to be involved in the other dressing room."

Another Australian, Michael Kasprowicz, has also been linked with the post, as has former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock.

Of the home candidates, Darren Gough would be an interesting choice whilst Phil DeFreitas and Steve Watkin have been mentioned.

The highly-regarded ex-Essex player Ian Pont could also be a candidate and former incumbent Kevin Shine, who still works with the England and Wales Cricket Board at developmental level, is another possibility.

Donald is the only other leading candidate to have publicly shown interest.

"I'd be silly to not consider the position," he said earlier in the week.

"I will obviously think it over but it is a great challenge for any coach."

Donald, 43, briefly held the role in 2007 but stood down for personal reasons.