Melbourne: Former South African speedster Allan Donald has emerged as one of the front-runners to become Australia’s next fast bowling coach, even as New Zealand remains keen to retain the pacer’s services.

Donald, who is currently engaged with a South African TV network at home, is believed to have had his final round of interview with Cricket Australia’s (CA) cricket operations manager Michael Brown earlier this week.

According to media reports, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has still not confirmed future contract with the Test veteran but head coach John Wright has already showed his desire to continue working with Donald.

The Black Caps have made a verbal offer to Donald and are awaiting his reply, although a NZC spokesman said discussions were “progressing positively”.

Other candidates in contention include former Australian Test pacer Craig McDermott and the unheralded Allister de Winter, who is a bowling coach with reigning Sheffield Shield champions Tasmania.