Sydney, Mar 7 : Former Australian coach John Buchanan has turned down the England job, but may take on a consultancy role with the side during this year's Ashes series.

Buchanan, who stepped down from an eight-year stint after Australia's successful World Cup defence in the West Indies in 2007, until recently was a consultant with Cricket Australia.

He also worked with the British and Irish Lions rugby team, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

"We have not agreed upon anything formal yet. I've had discussions with England and Wales Cricket Board national performance director David Parsons and brief talks with Hugh Morris," Buchanan said.

"Something may eventuate, something may not. . As I understand it, my (Cricket Australia) contract has not been renewed by the general manager of development.

Nothing has been formally told to me, but they have not sent me a new contract, so I assume I have been pushed to one side.

"The cricket world needs a strong England game. I've got some views, thoughts, ideas and opinions I think can assist them in improving their game. As I have done with cricket in Australia and in the IPL, I hope I can provide these in a way that would make a small contribution to what they hope to achieve." (ANI)