Australian analyst in race to replace Whatmore

Richard McInnes, the Australian team's performance analyst, has confirmed his interest in the Bangladesh coaching vacancy created by Dav Whatmore. After performing key backroom duties in the Ashes and World Cup successes, McInnes has extended his current contract to work under the recently appointed Tim Nielsen, but he would seriously consider an approach for the position in Dhaka.

McInnes, a level three coach, spent two years helping to set up the country's high performance centre and left the role to return home to Australia in 2005. Bangladesh officials spoke with him after Whatmore asked to be considered for the India job during the World Cup.

"I'd be interested if they thought I was the right person," McInnes said. "I haven't heard from them for a while and I am sure they are speaking to a number of people around the world."

McInnes receives regular messages from some of the players he worked with as coach of the Bangladesh Under-19 and A squads and he forged close relationships with the wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim, spinner Enamul Haque and batsman Shahriar Nafees. "We had a good time there last time and my family enjoyed it, which is also important," he said.

Australia's desire for a more comprehensive approach after the 2005 Ashes led to McInnes being promoted to John Buchanan's side and he became a valued assistant for his thorough analysis of the opposition's strengths and weaknesses. When the squad is on tour McInnes spends up to six hours a day trawling through video footage to formulate plans and organise individual and team highlights packages.

"I renewed my contract with Cricket Australia at the start of June for 12 months, but if Bangladesh came back with an offer I would have to consider the pros and cons of it," he said. "There's been nothing on paper and no formal offer, but it appears as though I am on their list of people to speak to. It would certainly be a great opportunity."

International head coaching vacancies were rare until the World Cup, but all four Asian teams have been searching for new mentors over the past two months. Whatmore ended his stint with Bangladesh and was due to be interviewed for the Pakistan job on Thursday while Trevor Bayliss, the former New South Wales coach, has accepted the Sri Lanka post.

Bangladesh are expected to wait until the Pakistan and India vacancies are filled before making a final decision and Shaun Williams, the Australian who was previously in charge of the A team, has been appointed as interim coach for the current tour of Sri Lanka. The first of three Tests begins in Colombo on Monday.