London: Former test spin bowler Ashley Giles confirmed on yesterday that he would be “very interested” in succeeding Andy Flower as England’s team director following his resignation.
Giles, who took over as limited-overs coach in 2012, was speaking after England suffered an 84-run Twenty20 defeat to Australia, which meant they lost the series 3-0.
“I’d be very interested in doing the job, definitely,” Giles said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I’m not going to deny that and I’m sure I will be applying for the post.
“If I have to put an application in over the next couple of weeks then I’ll think about that and get it done.”
Giles has won 15 of his 38 matches in charge but he does not expect to be the only candidate interested in taking over from former Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batsman Flower. “I’m not silly, if it goes out to a process other people are going to apply,” added Giles who took 143 wickets during his test career with England.
“It’s one of the biggest jobs in cricket and I’d apply for it because I want to do it.
“As someone who was very proud to play for England I’ve been proud to coach the one-day side. To do the whole job would be a fantastic opportunity, but it’s hard work as well.” Flower resigned after England’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash. England also lost the one-day series 4-1 to Australia. Meanwhile, uncapped Ishwar Pandey made an immediate impact for India on the first day of a two-day Test warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Whangarei yesterday.
The tall fast-medium-fast bowler, aged 24, took three for 42 as the makeshift New Zealand side, comprising domestic players and members of the New Zealand under-19 squad, failed to cash in on a bold start. After the New Zealand XI reached 149-2, Under-19 captain Robbie O’Donnell was removed by Ishant Sharma for 80 and wickets fell regularly from then on.
The New Zealand XI declared at 262 for nine and at stumps India were 41 without loss. Murali Vijay was on 19 and Shikhar Dhawan, who struggled in the recent one-day series, was on 16.
The first of two Tests starts in Auckland on Thursday. AGENCIES
