Moody focused on Sri Lanka

Tom Moody © Getty Images

Tom Moody maintains speculation linking him with England will not distract from the job in hand as coach of Sri Lanka - but admits “what happens post World Cup is out of my control”.

The former Test batsman was approached by his native Australia to take over when John Buchanan steps down after this year’s showpiece tournament, which starts in the Carribean next month.

However, the 41-year-old felt the “timing was not right” for such a change in his career.

Moody played county cricket with Worcestershire, and his family are settled in England - making him an ideal candidate for a role in the national coaching set-up should one arise.

But he maintains complete concentration must be on Sri Lanka's World Cup campaign before any decisions are made about his own future.

“At the end of the day, the ball is not in my court,” Moody said

“My main focus currently is very much with Sri Lanka and our preparations for the World Cup.

“What happens post World Cup is out of my control.”

Moody continued: “Whether or not I continue with Sri Lanka or not, whether I stay in England involved in some capacity as a coach or do something else, I probably will not know until the end of the World Cup.

Moody gives captain Mahela Jayawardene some advice in practice © Getty Images

“I am not letting those things distract me from the current position I am in at the moment.

“If I did, then I would not be doing the job I am doing with Sri Lanka.”

As for taking charge of England, Moody said: “I am not going to comment on if I would or wouldn't like to do it.

“It is not something I am currently focusing on.”

Moody insists Fletcher should not be made a scapegoat for the team’s current problems.

“One tour does not suddenly make Duncan a poor coach,” he said.

“He has been an outstanding coach for England for many years and has made a significant difference to that national team over a period of time.

“They have had a disappointing time down under - but that is one poor series against many successful ones which he has been involved in.”

Moody believes England could be a major force at the World Cup.

He said: “What really counts now is that two months in the Caribbean.

“England might hit their straps and get their momentum early and find themselves in a semi-final. Then you are only two games away from winning it.”

As for his own side’s chances, Moody reflected: “Any teams needs a little bit of luck on their side and hopefully we play well enough to create those chances to go our way. Then, who knows?”