Cricket: Rixon in frame for Australian job

Former New Zealand cricket coach Steve Rixon has firmed as a contender to replace Geoff Marsh as Australia's next coach, according to a newspaper report in Australia.

The Australian Cricket Board is expected to announce the new appointment before the end of next week, with Rixon, Queensland coach John Buchanan and current national caretaker coach Allan Border the front runners.

Other contenders to have been interviewed are former test captain Greg Chappell and Wayne Clark, coach of the champion Western Australian side.

The Australian newspaper reported that a strong element in Rixon's favour, "apart from his impressive results with the perennially under-achieving Kiwis," was the close rapport he developed with Australia's captain Steve Waugh as coach of New South Wales from 1989 to 1994.

"One thing I do know is that I can work with Stephen," Rixon told the newspaper.

"Nothing's really changed over all these years and I'm happy to help him out in whatever capacity he sees fit. I have no problems with egos and realise my job is to take the heat off him occasionally."