Buchanan to help England wrest Ashes from Australia

London:

For an average Australian, it may border on treachery but former coach John Buchanan is all set to help England in its bid to wrest the Ashes from the Aussies, according to reports.

According to a report in 'The Daily Telegraph', the former Australia coach, who guided Ricky Ponting's men to a thumping 5-0 win over England in 2006-07, was invited by the cricket board here for a meeting last week with the discussion mainly confined to Ashes planning.

"It is understood Buchanan was invited by the England and Wales Cricket Board after recently losing his advisory contract with Cricket Australia and having worked briefly with the England Lions squad in New Zealand last winter," the report said.

Incidentally, Buchanan's assistance was sought by a recruitment company before Andy Flower was named the England team director.

"It is thought Buchanan will speak again to England officials before the Ashes begins on July 8 in Cardiff," the report added.