Donald wants England bowling role

Donald is one of the great fast bowlers of the modern era

South Africa Test great Allan Donald has declared an interest in joining the England coaching team.

"I would love to do that job - it's a very high-profile job.

"With all the talent there is in England, around England, it will be fantastic to work with that," he told BBC Five Live.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has indicated that a bowling coach could be recruited to allow Kevin Shine to focus on the national academy.

606: DEBATE I'd love to have him as bowling coach HO

Shine has been working with the England bowlers since Troy Cooley left after the 2005 Ashes series to become Australia's bowling coach.

But John Carr, the ECB's director of England cricket, said: "When the board recruited Kevin in early 2006, it was always intended to be a largely Loughborough-based role [at the academy] leading the ECB fast bowling programme, which involves overseeing and managing the development of elite fast bowlers at senior and age group levels.

"Kevin had indicated at the start of the winter that at the end of the World Cup, he wished to revert to the important role that he was originally recruited to perform."

Carr added: "Kevin will continue to be involved with the preparation of England fast bowlers around international matches as well as being involved in any decisions to utilise the services of other fast bowling coaches with England teams or in other parts of the fast bowling programme."

The recruitment of Donald, who took 330 wickets in 72 Tests and 272 in one-day internationals during an illustrious playing career, would undoubtedly strengthen the team around England's new head coach, Peter Moores.

He has already appointed former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as his assistant as he looks to get the England team back on track after the 5-0 whitewash by Australia during the winter, which was followed by a disappointing World Cup performance.

Donald, who spent several seasons with Warwickshire during his career and has coached their young bowlers, applied for the England bowling coach job when Shine was appointed.

"I don't come in with a lot of coaching badges, but I do have lots of experience and passion for the game," he said at the time.

And the 40-year-old remains keen to work with the likes of Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney was asked about the possibility of Donald working with England during the opening day of the first Test against West Indies on Thursday, but refused to be drawn on the matter.

"Allan Donald has worked in the UK and I suggest you watch that space - the same as I will," he commented.