Buchanan helping England for Ashes

LONDON - John Buchanan, architect of Australia’s 5-0 win in the 2006 Ashes, can switch loyalties this year.

Buchanan, who recently lost his advisory contract with Cricket Australia (CA) was in England last week for meetings with England officials and members of the team coaching staff about their Ashes strategy and planning.

According to Daily Telegraph, the former Australia coach was invited by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Buchanan’s involvement with ECB ahead of Ashes, beginning July 8, is not likely to go down well with the Australians, given his intimate knowledge of this Australian side.

Buchanan, who has just finished an unsuccessful stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, was used by the recruitment company Odgers Ray and Berndtson last winter to help identify the necessary qualities in the search for England team director that ended with Andy Flower.

It is understood Buchanan will speak again to England officials before the Ashes begins.