Cricket: Shane Bond in line for England coaching role

Former Black Caps bowling coach Shane Bond. Photo / Paul Taylor

Shane Bond, the former New Zealand fast bowler, is England's top choice to be their fast bowling consultant on this winter's Ashes tour as they look set to delay naming a full time replacement for Ottis Gibson.

Gibson left his post as England bowling coach after the third Investec Test at Lord's and his position has been advertised.

But Trevor Bayliss, the England head coach, said he is more likely to make a temporary appointment for the Ashes series before bringing in someone full time next year.

Telegraph Sport understands Bond is England's favoured choice to work with the fast bowlers in Australia this winter. Bond has become one of the world's leading fast bowling coaches since he was forced to retire through injury in 2010, playing a crucial role in the development of New Zealand's new ball pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

He is unlikely to be interested in the job full time due to his commitments as bowling coach of Mumbai Indians in the IPL but a short term contract for the Ashes Tests this winter may appeal, particularly given the ECB has the financial clout to make him a good offer.

England are also likely to appoint a different coach for the one day series in Australia with Darren Gough in the frame although his work with talkSPORT Radio would probably make it hard for him to spend a month in Australia.

"In the past we have had consultants come in - we have had Mahela (Jayawardene) and people like that so the thought is that we might try and organise something along those lines just for the winter," said Bayliss.

Bond knows Australian conditions and would command the respect of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. A large part of the job would be working on bowling plans to dismiss the Australian batsmen and making the most of the Kookaburra ball rather than specific technical coaching, something that should not be needed with a group of experienced international bowlers.

For the rest of this summer England will use a variety of county coaches who have shown an interest in the job. Chris Silverwood, who is on the verge of leading Essex to the championship title, remains a strong contender for the position on a full time basis. "The position is very much open and we have got a bit of time and there's no point rushing," said Bayliss indicating he will take time to make his first full time appointment to his backroom staff.