India coach Gary Kirsten quashed British media speculation that he is a front-runner among the candidates for the job of England [Images] cricket coach.

"I am not a candidate," he was quoted as saying by cricinfo on the sidelines of the Indian team's practice session in Wellington on Thursday, ahead of the third Test against New Zealand [Images].

Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary N Srinivasan also refused to comment on the reports, saying it was all "speculation by the UK media".

Leading British daily The Guardian on Thursday claimed Kirsten was a "potential front-runner" to succeed Peter Moores ahead of the Ashes against Australia [Images].

"In addition to (Andy) Flower, India's coach, Gary Kirsten, who is soon to be out of contract, has emerged as a potential front-runner," the paper said.

The newspaper also claimed that a four-man ECB panel would interview the candidates on the shortlist at a secret location in the UK.

South Africa [Images] coach Mickey Arthur was also linked to the England job though he said he remains committed to his national contract till 2011.

"We have had a robust and transparent process. We are pleased with those who have applied. Our interview process will begin when we get home at the weekend with a view to appointing the permanent post before the West Indies [Images] series," Hugh Morris, managing director of England cricket, told reporters in St Lucia on Wednesday.