BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan also refused to comment on the reports, saying it was all "speculation by the UK media".

Leading British daily The Guardian today claimed Kirsten was a "potential front-runner" to succeed Peter Moores ahead of the Ashes against Australia.

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"In addition to (Andy) Flower, India's coach, Gary Kirsten, who is soon to be out of contract, has emerged as a potential front-runner," the paper said.

The newspaper also claimed that a four-man ECB panel would interview the candidates on the shortlist at a secret location in the UK. Mickey Arthur, the South Africa coach, was also linked to the England job though he said that he remained committed to his national contract till 2011.

"We have had a robust and transparent process. We are pleased with those who have applied. Our interview process will begin when we get home at the weekend with a view to appointing the permanent post before the West Indies series," Hugh Morris, managing director of England cricket, told reporters in St Lucia yesterday.