Kent's director of cricket Graham Ford is remaining tight-lipped over his interest in the role to coach the New Zealand Test team, preferring instead to concentrate on the county’s final championship match of the summer.

With his team fighting hard to stave off relegation against title-chasing Durham, Ford refused to talk on the record about the Kiwi post yesterday other than to confirm that he had been interviewed over the telephone.

It is known that Matthew Mott (New South Wales) and former county cricketers Dipak Patel and Andy Moles were also interviewed for the opportunity to replace John Bracewell.

Ford turned down a similar opportunity to coach India last year and Kent’s management team will be hoping he makes a similar decision now.