Melbourne, Jan. 16 : Former Australian batsman Darren Lehmann has withdrawn from the race to coach the England cricket team, and instead, suggested that former team-mate Tom Moody take on the responsibility.

Lehmann, 38, last night said he preferred to concentrate on his first coaching foray with Indian Premier League side Deccan Chargers.

Champion Zimbabwe batsman and Moores'' assistant Andy Flower, ex-South African coach Graham Ford and former England spinner Ashley Giles are among candidates mentioned to steer England.

Moody, who has coached Western Australia for the past two seasons, is the blue-chip option to combine with new skipper Andrew Strauss as England prepares for its forthcoming tour of the West Indies, says Lehmann.

"I think the man for the job is Tom Moody. He has the experience and foresight to take England cricket back to the top," Fox Sports quoted Lehmann, as saying.

"There''s some big characters in the England team but Tom would be able to handle them. He is a great candidate," he added.

The Hyderabad-IPL franchise moved to secure Lehmann''s services following the implosion that saw England skipper Kevin Pietersen resign and Moores axed due to an "irretrievable breakdown" in their working relationship.

"I have spoken to Deccan and they have really helped me and said we don''t want to lose you," said Lehmann.

"They have made things attractive and been so great that I have turned around and said it is only fair that I pull out of the race to coach England," he added. (ANI)