John Buchanan

Calcutta: Discussions are on between John Buchanan and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on an arrangement which could see the Australian in the role of a “consultant” during the forthcoming Ashes, from July 8.

Clearly, he may emerge as the No.1 weapon in the hands of Andrew Strauss and Co.

“That possibility is there, though I’ve informed the ECB brass that a few sensitivities would, obviously, have to be taken care of,” Buchanan, Australia’s hugely successful coach from late 1999 till early 2007, told The Telegraph.

No time frame has, however, been set.

Australia won three of the four Ashes campaigns during Buchanan’s tenure: In 2001 (England), 2002-03 and 2006-07. The only loss had been in 2005, in England. His Ashes-specific credentials — winning 14 of the 18 Tests — are truly awesome.

Till recently, Buchanan had been Cricket Australia’s coaching ambassador, but the one-year contract wasn’t renewed. So, in a formal sense, there won’t be any ‘clash’ with his national body.