Buchanan in running for NZC director post

John Buchanan is also understood to be on the shortlist for the job of South Africa coach © AFP Enlarge

, the former Australia coach, is in the running to be New Zealand Cricket's first director of cricket. NZC chief Justin Vaughan confirmed that the board met with Buchanan regarding the role, but said there were other candidates and a final decision will be made on Friday.

"I can certainly confirm we've met with John," Vaughan told the Dominion Post. "He's got great credentials for the role, but we've spoken to a few candidates and ultimately there will be a recommendation made to the board on Friday."

While Buchanan is said to be a front-runner for the post, other names in the fray include ex-England coach Duncan Fletcher and Gary Kirsten. The director's role would include overseeing NZC's high-performance programme, and he will play a role in picking the national side's new captain and selection panel - the current selectors' contracts expire this month.

Buchanan is also understood to be on the for the South Africa coaching job and was initially on the shortlist for the vacant Sri Lanka post. Buchanan coached Australia between October 1999 and April 2007 - stepping down after Australia had won their second World Cup under him - and has worked as a cricket consultant since.