Hayden: 'crazy' to take England job

Jason Gillespie and Justin Langer have yet to be officially approached about the England head coach vacancy.

The former Australian fast bowler Gillespie remains the heavy favourite for the vacant role after being confirmed as "one of the candidates" by new England and Wales Cricket Board director of cricket Andrew Strauss.

And former Australia Test legend Matthew Hayden said anyone would be "crazy" to apply for an England job he claimed a coach would have "no control whatsoever".

Whoever is appointed to the coaching vacancy, they will not be able to select 104-Test veteran and England's highest Test run scorer Kevin Pietersen, with Strauss saying the divisive batsman would not play for the team this winter.

Gillespie dodged a large press gathering after Yorkshire completed a comprehensive win on Wednesday as speculation mounted over his future.

Instead, Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon fronted the media in his place, explaining there had not yet been an official approach from the England and Wales Cricket Board – but that he didn't expect it would be long before Gillespie was coaching on the international scene.

"There's nothing really he can say, because he's had no official approach from the ECB," Moxon said on Wednesday.

"Obviously Andrew Strauss has said that they're interested in speaking to him.

"(But) at the moment they haven't (and) they haven't asked us to speak to him."

The South Australia Cricket Association is also closely following events in England with Gillespie signed on to coach the Adelaide Strikers in next summer's KFC T20 Big Bash League.

"We're in constant conversation with Jason and he has assured us that if there is any approach or change in circumstances regarding his role in England, he will communicate that to us," SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw told cricket.com.au.

"As it stands, he is fully committed to the Strikers."

The Western Australian Cricket Association also confirmed to cricket.com.au that Langer has not yet been formally approached.

"Justin is an outstanding coach so it is not surprising – and is testament to his abilities – that he is often linked to speculation around international roles," a WACA spokesperson said.

"He has been fantastic for WA cricket and is contracted to the WACA for the 2015-16 season."

Hayden said the influence of Strauss meant the coaching role would be too constrained to make it an appealing proposition.

"You're going to have no control whatsoever," Hayden said on BBC radio.

"You'd be crazy to apply for the England coach's role because, with a director, you are the man the establishment is going to kick.

"I think England are entering into a very dangerous space. They have been in a perilous position for the last six months.

"There are going to be some really tough times ahead for England and they need to sort their back of office out quickly, otherwise we are going to see England fall well behind in those Test rankings."

Gillespie took Yorkshire to the county championship title last year and is rated very highly by Moxon.

"I think as far as international coaching is concerned, it will be 'when' rather than 'if'," he said of Gillespie.

"It's great for him personally to be linked with the England job.

"But from a purely selfish point of view, we obviously hope Jason will stay with us ... anybody worth their salt has ambitions and ultimately to work in international cricket, probably.

"Whether this is the right job for Jason or whether he'd be offered this job we don't know at this moment in time.

"He's a very talented coach ... and has a great rapport with the lads. He's a great communicator."

Another Australian, Tom Moody - who is currently coaching Sunrisers Hyderabad, the IPL franchise Pietersen was due to play for - is also considered a candidate. While there were reports former Australia coach Mickey Arthur had also thrown his hat in the ring for the vacancy, while former New Zealand skipper and Melbourne Stars coach Stephen Fleming is considered another candidate.

Strauss said he wants the new coach hired in time for the Ashes, which starts in Cardiff on July 8. Moores's assistant Paul Fabrace has been appointed caretaker coach for the forthcoming series against England, but Strauss has said he does not see him as a head coach.