Jason Gillespie has yet to hear from the England and Wales Cricket Board whether the governing body wants to speak to him about the vacant position of national coach.
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Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon has confirmed the county champions have had no direct approach from England asking permission to contact their coach about the job which became available when Peter Moores was sacked four days ago.
New ECB director Andrew Strauss acknowledged on Tuesday that former Australia fast bowler Gillespie is “one of the candidates” who could be considered for a role he wants to fill by the time this summer’s Ashes series starts in July.
Andrew Strauss confirms Alastair Cook will captain England in the Ashes and that Jason Gillespie is a candidate for the coaching job
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) May 12, 2015
But asked if England had been in touch about the matter, Moxon said: “No … there’s nothing definite from the ECB.
“Obviously, Andrew Strauss has said (publicly) that they’re interested in speaking to him. At the moment they haven’t. They haven’t asked us to speak to him.”
Yorkshire chose not to allow Gillespie to face the press himself, to answer questions which they see as still hypothetical.
“There’s nothing really he can say, because he’s had no official approach from the ECB,” added Moxon, who admits nonetheless the club is resigned to losing the coach to an international position at some point – given his pedigree and success at Headingley.
“I think as far as international coaching is concerned, it will be when rather than if,” said Moxon. “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. We’ve got unfinished business here. He has done a great job for us.”
Yorkshire will not stand in Gillespie’s way, if England’s offer arrives – and he wants to take it. Moxon added: “Ultimately, it will be Jason’s decision. He’s a strong character, a strong man. It will be his call.
“What will be, will be, but at the moment we have nothing official from the ECB. There’s no point worrying about it yet, while there’s no offer there.”
Gillespie led Yorkshire to the championship title last year, with a team which provided six players to England’s tour of the drawn Test series in the West Indies.
Moxon understands why he is a hot property. “He’s a very talented coach … and has a great rapport with the lads; he’s a great communicator.”
