India begin quizzing candidates

Chappell and Moody may have to choose between India and Sri Lanka

The India cricket board has begun interviewing candidates to replace John Wright as the team's new coach.

Four candidates, Australians Greg Chappell and Tom Moody, India's Mohinder Amarnath and West Indian Desmond Haynes will be probed in Delhi.

The six-man selection panel includes ex captains Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Srinivas Venkataraghvan.

In 2000, Kiwi Wright became India's first foreign coach, but quit in April to devote more time to his family.

Former and current board presidents Jagmohan Dalmiya, Ranvir Singh Mahendra and board secretary, S K Nair complete the interview panel, who began by speaking to Armanath, considered one of the outsiders.

Chappell and Moody, currently the Worcestershire coach, are considered the front runners, although all four are believed to have supporters from within the panel.

The two Australians are also in contention to succeed compatriot John Dyson for the post of Sri Lankan coach, and are likely to fly to Colombo later in the week for talks there.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not said when the appointment will be made.

The team's next international assignment is in August when they go to Sri Lanka for a one-day tournament.